Kailua-Kona Credit Card Fraud: Police Investigation | Hawaiʻi Island

Hawaiʻi Island police are investigating the fraudulent use of a credit card at multiple businesses in Kailua-Kona, occurring between March 13 and March 16, 2026. Authorities are seeking public assistance to identify a suspect involved in the unauthorized purchases.

The victim reported that an unknown individual used their credit card to make purchases at several businesses, including two large retail stores. Police have released surveillance footage of the suspect in an effort to gather leads.

Details of the Investigation

The fraudulent activity took place over a four-day period, from March 13th to March 16th, 2026. The Hawaiʻi Police Department is handling the investigation, designated under Report No.: 26-024429. The suspect is described as a dark-skinned male with a beard, as seen in surveillance footage from the affected businesses.

According to a release from Officer Brian Hunt, the unauthorized transactions involved multiple locations across Kailua-Kona. The investigation is currently focused on identifying the individual and determining the full extent of the financial losses.

How to Provide Information

Anyone with information regarding the incident or the identity of the suspect is encouraged to contact the Hawaiʻi Police Department. The non-emergency line is (808) 935-3311. Individuals can also email Officer Brian Hunt directly at brian.hunt@hawaiipolice.gov.

For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers can be reached at (808) 961-8300. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers assures confidentiality, stating that calls are not recorded and caller ID is not subscribed to.

Recent Crime Trends in Hawai’i

This incident occurs amidst a backdrop of other recent criminal activity reported on the Big Island. On April 1, 2026, a Puna man was charged following a bomb threat investigation. Eleven individuals were arrested during an island-wide operation on the same day. Police also recently investigated a bomb threat at a Kea‘au post office and a separate threat at Kealakehe Intermediate School.

Other recent police activity includes the search for an “armed and dangerous” man in Kona and investigations into domestic violence and theft cases across the island. These incidents highlight an ongoing effort by the Hawaiʻi Police Department to address various criminal activities within the community.

Growing Concerns Over Credit Card Fraud

The Kailua-Kona credit card theft is part of a broader trend of financial crimes impacting residents and businesses. In 2025, Hawaii residents were warned about 19 different scams, indicating an increasing sophistication and prevalence of fraudulent activities targeting the state. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to protect financial information.

Authorities advise individuals to regularly monitor their credit card statements for any unauthorized charges and to report any suspicious activity immediately. Businesses are also encouraged to review their security protocols and employee training to prevent future incidents of credit card fraud.

The Hawaiʻi Police Department continues to investigate this case and encourages anyone with information to come forward. The ongoing investigations into various criminal activities demonstrate the department’s commitment to maintaining public safety and addressing emerging threats within the community.