Man with dogs
sought in park
ranger’s slaying

By Rod Thompson
Big Island correspondent

KAILUA-KONA -- The FBI is looking for a young, tall Caucasian man with three dogs, who is wanted as a suspect in the shooting death of national park ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell.

Makuakane-Jarrell, 47, was found dead Sunday morning, lying face down about 20 yards from the sea at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park, three miles north of Kailua-Kona.

The FBI confirmed that he died of a gunshot wound.

FBI spokesman John Gillies declined to say where in the body Makuakane-Jarrell was shot until autopsy results become available.

Several agents are investigating the case, operating out of a special command post, Gillies said.

An FBI news release said the agency is looking for a Caucasian man, possibly homeless, in his mid-30s, about 6 feet tall, with a medium build, curly blond hair, and a tan complexion.

The suspect is believed to be traveling with three dogs, the FBI said. Two of the dogs were described as large, with big heads. One of those may be a gold-colored Labrador, according to the FBI.

The third dog was described as smaller, possibly a pit-bull mix.

Gillies declined to comment on possible witnesses who may have given that information to the agency.

The suspect is considered armed and very dangerous, the FBI said. It is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.

The FBI's Kona number is 329-5106.

Officials at Kaloko-Honokohau could not be reached for comment on the status of park activities.

An employee at Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Site, which is managed by the same superintendent as Kaloko-Honokohau, said most of the Kaloko-Honokohau employees were placed on administrative leave.