Honolulu police are asking residents to keep an eye out for some very memorable ink. Authorities, working with CrimeStoppers, have released images of several people with distinctive tattoos who are wanted in connection with two separate forgery and theft investigations. Officials say the body art shows up unusually clearly in surveillance footage, and they are banking on someone in the community recognizing the designs. Tips could help make arrests or recover stolen property and may qualify for cash rewards.
What police released
According to KITV, investigators distributed still photos and video clips that zoom in on the suspects' tattoos, which include lettering and graphic-style artwork. The images are tied to two cases that the department classifies as forgery and theft. Police say the ink is so clear on camera that it could be enough for friends, coworkers, or neighbors to recognize. They are asking anyone who spots familiar designs, or who has dashcam or cellphone footage from the locations around the time of the incidents, to get in touch with authorities.
How to submit a tip
CrimeStoppers Honolulu is taking tips in several ways. Members of the public can report information anonymously through the P3Tips mobile app, call the tipline at (808) 955-8300, or file a web tip through CrimeStoppers Honolulu. The organization notes that rewards of up to $1,000 may be paid when tips lead to an arrest, identification of a suspect, or recovery of property. Program materials explain that tipsters use a code number to maintain anonymity and can continue a secure two-way dialog to add details or check on reward eligibility. CrimeStoppers adds that its board reviews submitted information to determine any reward payments.
Why tattoos can make a difference
Investigators say unique tattoos can be as telling as a fingerprint when surveillance video is involved. Distinctive ink has helped connect suspects to crime scenes in many cases, and Honolulu has dealt with large-scale forgery and check-fraud operations in recent years. Coverage of a 2024 forgery ring arrest highlighted how video evidence and community tips can snowball into arrests and broader indictments. In this latest effort, police are hoping that the sharp images of the tattoos will jog memories for nearby residents and store workers who may have seen the individuals before.
Legal context
Forgery and theft are both criminal offenses under Hawaii law, with penalties that depend on the amount of the alleged loss and the specific conduct involved. Theft charges are broken into different degrees based on value, and forgery is treated as a serious crime under state statutes. For more on how theft is defined and classified in Hawaii, the state code summary at FindLaw outlines the degrees of theft, while state law resources offer similar breakdowns for forgery. Police are also reminding residents not to confront anyone they believe might be involved and to pass information to law enforcement so officers can handle any follow-up safely.
What neighbors should do
Anyone who thinks they recognize the tattoos in the released images or who has related video is urged to call CrimeStoppers at (808) 955-8300 or send a tip through the P3Tips app. The program is structured to keep tipsters anonymous and may offer rewards of up to $1,000 when information helps close a case. The Hawaii Attorney General's community-crime materials point to the same CrimeStoppers hotline and highlight how everyday residents assist local law enforcement by speaking up. For situations that involve an active crime or immediate danger, officials say to call 911 directly for a rapid response.
