CrimeStoppers gets
‘tons’ of complaints

A Waikiki man who
called 911, enabling police to
catch two escapes, won't
receive a reward

Star-Bulletin

CrimeStoppers fielded "tons" of complaints this morning because of nonpayment of reward money to a Waikiki man who called 911 and tipped off police to the location of two prison escapees, officials said.

CrimeStoppers officials said the group is a nonprofit organization and is a separate entity from the Honolulu Police Department. And it said a bulletin about the suspects was never publicized by CrimeStoppers. The man who called police will not receive any money from the group.

"CrimeStoppers has rules implemented by the international CrimeStoppers," said police Capt. Darryl Perry. "There's criteria that must be met to be eligible for the reward."

According to the rules, a caller must "directly contact CrimeStoppers with information" leading to the arrest or indictment of a suspect or fugitive in a felony case.

Cy Huihui Kaina, 21, and Jeffrey Pinero, 26, were arrested Monday near the McCully Street bridge. Both were arrested on warrants charging them with felony escape, robbery, assault and kidnapping. They are being held at Halawa High Security Facility in lieu of $200,000 bail.

Perry said the board of directors will look into a change in the CrimeStoppers policy.

Perry understands the complaints, but the rules prohibit him or the staff from doing anything.

"It's good that this is brought to light," he said. "This issue needs to be addressed."