Public asked
for information in
cemetery desecration
Suspects may have used Nissan
By Star-Bulletin staff
seen at Hawaiian Memorial ParkPolice are looking for the public's help in identifying any suspicious cars near the seven Oahu cemeteries that were vandalized late Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Capt. Doug Miller, head of the police task force investigating the vandalism, said police are looking into leads that the suspects may have been driving a dark, possibly brown Nissan car. Miller said the car was seen near Hawaiian Memorial Park about 2 a.m. Sunday.
Police are also asking for the public's help in any knowledge of trash that is being hidden, stored, or recently disposed of containing paint equipment, stencils or paint cans.
People are asked to call if they know of any suspicious purchase or possession of red spray paint; theft of red spray paint or paint equipment; or missing paint and paint supplies.
Miller said the police and FBI are conducting a "definitely very aggressive investigation."
The reward for information leading to the arrest and charging of vandals who desecrated seven Oahu cemeteries climbed to $21,000 with a $5,000 pledge from the Oahu AJA Veterans Council.
The council is made up of the four clubs of Japanese-American World War II veterans from the 100th Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the Military Intelligence Service and the 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion.
Other pledges include: $5,000 from Bank of Hawaii; $10,000 from Mayor Jeremy Harris; and $1,000 from CrimeStoppers.
Those wishing to contribute can send checks payable to: "Mayor's Cemetery Pacific Fund," c/o Mayor Jeremy Harris; City Hall, Suite 300; Honolulu 96813.
The Masons of Hawaii, Bank of Hawaii and the Paralyzed Veterans of America have offered donations to repair the estimated $20,000 to $25,000 in damages to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.
How to help
Investigators are looking for witnesses who know about:
Suspicious purchase or possession of red spray paint.
Who to call
If you have information, please contact:
