MEDIA RELEASE

The “Officer of the Month” luncheon will feature Officer William Marciniak at noon Wednesday, Jan. 5 at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel.

On Nov. 5, Marciniak was assigned to a burglary investigation on Alii Drive. He followed up by checking out the local pawn shop to see if any of the stolen items had been sold and was given information that although the pawn shop did not accept digital equipment, the Lighthaus camera shop buys used cameras.

Marciniak visited the camera shop and left the owner of the store a description of the camera. The owner later called the police department saying that a camera that matched the description had been sold to him.

The suspect and his girlfriend were arrested later that day and it was discovered that they had in their possession a stolen credit card from another burglary.

Because of Marciniak’s extra step in going to the lighthouse camera shop, two suspects were identified for two burglaries and a stolen camera and laptop were recovered.

Wally Lau from the mayor’s office will be the speaker at the luncheon.

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee is an organization that encourages community involvement in aiding and supporting the Kona Police Department in their efforts to prevent crime, deter potential criminals and enforce the law.

Membership is open to organizations or individuals wishing to further the purposes of the Kona Crime Prevention Committee and is effective upon payment of dues.The public is invited to attend the Officer of the Month luncheons the first Wednesday of each month.

Cost of the luncheon is $15, all inclusive at the Paddlers Restaurant. Parking in the King Kamehameha lot is an additional $2. Reservations are necessary and may be made by contacting Liz Holey at 326-7787.