Big Isle sweep produces many arrests

A Hawaii County task force had a hand in the arrest of 27 people over a four-week period on a range of offenses, including robbery, burglary and auto theft.

A county news release said Tuesday the operation was held from July 8 through Friday. Investigators served seven search warrants, recovering 11 stolen vehicles, three firearms and property taken during burglaries and car break-ins.

Fifteen of the people were charged with more than 100 offenses, including robbery, burglary, car theft, driving stolen vehicles, firearm offenses, hindering prosecution and reckless driving stemming from pursuits. These suspects were identified as Christian Olivera, Jasmine Saragosa-Taoy, Arnold “BJ” Fernandez, Juanita Grammer, Bronson Oili, Mele Gasologa, Tyler Leopoldino, Rose Peace, Clinton Souza, Jordan Kaneshiro and Dustin Samson.

Keith Wanzer, Rachel Shwery, James Artiaga and Stephen Comer were arrested and charged on outstanding warrants.

Anyone who might have information about stolen vehicles is asked to call the Police Department’s nonemergency line at 935-3311 or contact Detective Aaron Carvalho at 961-2272 or Aaron.Carvalho@hawaiicounty.gov.

Water restrictions persist in North Kona area

Repair work continued Tuesday on the Honokohau drinking water well, and North Kona remains under water use restrictions.

The county Department of Water Supply said a contractor started removing column pipe Tuesday and expects to extract the pump and motor in a couple of days. A spare pump and motor will then be connected, and reinstallation work will continue through the weekend.

All residents and business customers in North Kona must restrict water use to health and safety needs: drinking, cooking and hygiene purposes only. Potable water is available from a tanker on Hina Lani Street between Anini and Manu Mele streets.