After a months-long manhunt, Hawaiʻi Island Police arrested two of Puna's most wanted fugitives, 40-year-old Malani Donald Tavui and 31-year-old Alexander Ikieolagarcia Kauwe. Tavui was found hiding under a bed, while Kauwe was apprehended after crashing his vehicle during an attempted getaway, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

Tavui and Kauwe were arrested after tips about a stolen car linked to their associate, Layla Subica. Subica, 19, was found asleep in the car and arrested last Thursday. Later that day, Tavui was arrested when police searched the place where the car was found. Kauwe was arrested the next morning after he tried to flee from officers responding to a call about a suspicious car on Rose Street in Mountain View. Both face several charges, including vehicle theft and resisting arrest. Tavui’s bail is $244,750, and Kauwe’s is $321,000, as reported by the Hawaii Police Department.

After their arrest, Subica was charged with vehicle entry, firearm possession, and drug offenses, with bail set at $9,000. Tavui and Kauwe face multiple charges from incidents across the island, investigated by local and federal authorities. During the operation, stolen vehicles and illegal firearms were recovered. Police are asking the public for information on more stolen vehicles linked to the pair. Detective John Balberde can be contacted for any tips, as stated by the Hawaii Police Department.