Hawaii County police sought the public’s help today in finding a 31-year-old Kailua-Kona man who escaped Tuesday from a Panaewa correctional facility.

Ryan James Jeffries-Hamar is serving a 10-year sentence for two counts of first-degree burglary. Police said he left Hale Nani, a transitional facility for inmates nearing the end of their sentence, Tuesday afternoon.

Jeffries-Hamar was reportedly seen Wednesday afternoon in Kainaliu and Wednesday evening in Kailua-Kona, police said.

He is described as about 5 feet, 7 inches and 170 pounds, with blue eyes and short reddish-blond hair. He has a tattoo along his entire right arm. 

Although Jeffries-Hamar is not considered dangerous, police warn the public against contacting him and instead advise people to contact Detective Grant Todd at 961-2385 or gtodd@co.hawaii.hi.us. People may also call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.