Thieves take high-tech
gear from Big Isle school

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By Leila Fujimori
lfujimori@starbulletin.com

HONAUNAU, Hawaii >> Police are investigating a recent computer theft at Honaunau Elementary School, the second break-in in three weeks, principal Faye Ogilvie said.

Thieves broke in sometime before July 4 and took computer hubs, which network the school's computers and allow Internet access, Ogilvie said. They also took an iMac G3 computer, a television distribution amplifier and a portable stereo CD player.

"It's a crime against students and against the school as well," Ogilvie said.

"Everyone is a victim when something like this happens," she said.

She estimates the value of the items between $4,000 and $5,000.

Ogilvie said the theft of the computer hubs prevents Internet access for students, teachers and staff.

She said since little was disturbed and the items were in an inconspicuous spot, the theft was not discovered until an attempt to access the Internet was made days later.

The theft is one of several among South Kona schools in recent months.

More than $6,700 in computer equipment was stolen from Konawaena High School in June, but police recovered several of the computers two weeks later.

Ogilvie is asking the community's assistance in reporting anything unusual happening on campus or if they find what might be the stolen equipment.