HAWAIʻI COUNTY POLICE OFFICER ENTERS PLEA FOR TAMPERING WITH PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

News Release 2026-09 from Department of the Attorney General,  February 25, 2026

HILO, Hawaiʻi – On February 25, 2026, Hawai‘i Police Department Officer Blane Kenolio pled no contest to the criminal charge Tampering with Physical Evidence. Kenolio asked the presiding court to grant deferred acceptance of his no contest plea.

The charge stemmed from Kenolio’s unconstitutional search of an arrestee’s belongings inside the Hilo Police Station. Kenolio searched a closed container found inside the arrestee’s handbag without a warrant. He then sprayed an alcohol solution on the outside of the closed container and thoroughly wiped it down to remove trace evidence of his search.

The investigation was conducted by the Department of the Attorney General’s Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) and the Hawai‘i County Police Department.

“Officer Kenolio’s no contest plea underscores the importance of accountability and adherence to constitutional protections. The rule of law applies equally to everyone. We thank the Hawaiʻi Police Department for its cooperation and professionalism throughout this investigation and we remain committed to maintaining public trust in our justice system.”

“Professionalism, integrity, and respect for constitutional protections are the cornerstones of policing,” said Hawai’i Police Chief Reed Mahuna. “We value the collaborative and professional manner in which this matter was investigated and remain committed to serving our community with transparency, accountability, and professionalism.”

The case, State v. Blaine Kenolio et al., 3CPC-26-0000022 is being prosecuted by SIPD Deputy Attorney General Benjamin Rose. Tampering with Physical Evidence is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2026, at 9 a.m.

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Two Officers Arrested Following Indictment by Hawai‘i Attorney General

News Release from Hawaii County Police Department, January 13, 2026

On Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 13. 2026, two Hawai‘i Police Department officers were arrested following their indictment by the Hawai‘i Attorney General’s office in connection with May 2023 searches of an arrestee’s belongings that violated constitutional protections.

Officer Noah Serrao, a six-year member assigned to Hilo Patrol, was charged with:

• perjury
• false swearing in official matters
• tampering with a government record

The charges stem from a May 26, 2023, incident in which Officer Serrao is alleged to have knowingly made false statements under oath after a detainee’s bag was searched without a search warrant or consent. He also allegedly tampered with an official government document.

Officer Blane K. Kenolio, also a six-year member assigned to Hilo Patrol, was charged with:

• tampering with physical evidence

On May 24, 2023, Officer Kenolio is alleged to have knowingly searched a detainee’s bag without a search warrant or consent.

“We hold our officers to the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability,” said Interim Police Chief Reed Mahuna. “To that end, when we became aware of this incident in 2023, we immediately investigated both officers criminally and administratively.”

The administrative investigation concluded in April 2024 with Officer Serrao suspended for 50 days and Officer Kenolio suspended for 24 days. Both officers were included in the department’s 2024 annual misconduct report to the state legislature and posted on the department’s website: 2024 Annual Misconduct Report.

“The criminal investigation was ultimately forwarded to the Attorney General’s office,” added Interim Chief Mahuna. “We thank them for their efforts in bringing this case to its conclusion.”

Following their arrests late Tuesday afternoon, both officers were released on their own recognizance. They are scheduled to appear in Hilo Circuit Court, tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Both officers have been reassigned from patrol as their court proceedings continue. They, like all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

“We commend the Hawai‘i Police Department for their proactive partnership and commitment to upholding the law,” said Hawai‘i Attorney General Anne Lopez. “By working closely with our office on this investigation, they have demonstrated transparency, accountability, and dedication to maintaining public trust while continuing to serve their communities with professionalism every day.”

Added Interim Chief Mahuna, “While these cases will be resolved in court, we remain committed to accountability and maintaining the confidence of the community we serve.”

COVERAGE:

HTH: Hawaii County police officer enters plea for tampering with physical evidence - Hawaii Tribune-Herald-- “Should Hilo Circuit Judge Henry Nakamoto grant deferred acceptance of Kenolio’s no-contest plea, the conviction will be erased from his record if he stays out of further trouble with the law for a year.”

BIVN: Police Officer Charged With Evidence Tampering Enters No Contest Plea -- “On February 25, Kenolio asked the presiding court to grant deferred acceptance of his no contest plea.”