LIHU‘E — A $500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest or detainment of the individual, or individuals responsible for the recent series of bomb threats to Kaua‘i schools. That offer was made by Beth Tokioka, the
LIHU‘E — A $500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest or detainment of the individual, or individuals responsible for the recent series of bomb threats to Kaua‘i schools.
That offer was made by Beth Tokioka, the county’s Director of Communications, Thursday morning at a news conference held at the Mayor’s Office.
Randall Francisco, president of the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce, said the reward money is being provided through a coalition of business organizations including the Kaua‘i Business Council, the Rotary Club of Kalepa Sunrise, the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce, the Kaua‘i Alternative Vacation Accomodation Association, and an anonymous donor.
“The reward is just one tool the Kaua‘i Police Department can use to get information about these serious incidents,” said Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry. “I would like to thank the coalition of business organization in offering a reward to identify those individuals who are responsible for placing our community at risk.”
Perry said the rash of bomb threats which started on Feb. 17 takes away police resources from other matters, as well as instilling fear in both students and the communities.
“KPD takes these threats very seriously and will pursue prosecution on those who are found to be responsible,” Perry said. “The bomb threats are very serious because each one has to be considered as a potential disaster.”
No bombs were found in any of the incidents, states a county release.
However, in each of the incidents, students were isolated either on or off campus in order for the police department to conduct a thorough search.
Currently, the police department is seeking leads on threats that took place at Kaua‘i High School on Feb. 17 and 23, and at the King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School on March 2.
Two students were detained and later released in the two incidents at the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School incidents.
“We feel it’s important to support our schools, the police and the community at large to assist in the effort to put an end to these incidents,” said Francisco. “These incidents are costly and disruptive to the learning environment and cannot be tolerated.”
Tokioka said a copy of the reward poster can be found on the county’s website at www.kauai.gov and people, especially those catering to the younger crowd, are asked to download, print and post the posters. For those who are unable to do that, a hard copy can be requested.
She added that any individual or organization interested in contributing to the reward fund can do so by contacting Francisco at 245-7363.
“I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all who have donated to the reward fund,” Arakaki said. “The recent bomb threats took away precious learning time from our students and resulted in unnecessary worry, stress and anguish for our families, teachers, staff and the community. This is truly a community effort to work together and ensure that our children will develop into nurturing, caring, and responsible citizens.”
Anyone with a tip or lead and wanting anonymity can call Crime Stoppers at 241-1887. People can also call police dispatch at 241-1711, or Detective Bernard Purisma at 241-1682.
