Maui Police Department investigators continue to chase hot leads in the case of the armored Humvee stolen from the National Guard Armory north of Kihei earlier this week.
Neighbors in the north Kihei neighborhood above Pi'ilani Highway reported seeing a Humvee painted a dark green, forest-themed camouflage racing up Kaiwahine Street late Wednesday morning.
"Definitely the one we saw in the news reports yesterday," said Joanne Keakau, who lives on Kaiolohia Street and was walking her cat when she saw the suspected vehicle jump over one of those elongated speed humps that no one slows down for. "Going so fast it got air! Don't see that much around here."
Investigators had an artist digitally recreate the image (See above), as described by neighbors, to release to the public with hopes of getting assistance in locating the vehicle and solving the crime.
Later Wednesday, Maui police received tips that the stolen Humvee had been painted orange, to resemble one of the many rubber safety cones all over the island.
"We kind of suspected either the suspects would paint it white or grey and pretend it was a Tacoma, Tundra, or Tacundra; or paint it orange to blend in with all those cones everywhere," said Sgt. Joe McGillicuddy, a detective with Maui Police Department and part of a team looking into the stolen Humvee.
The Maui Police Department seeks the public's assistance in the investigation of the theft, which occurred at Armory sometime between 6 p.m. Monday and 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.
The M1165A1 type Humvee is described as camouflaged in color, with E-09 painted on the front bumper.
Anyone with information is urged to contact MPD at (808) 244-6400.
To remain anonymous but still help, please call Maui Crime Stoppers at (808) 242-6966.
Meanwhile, some National Guard reserves expressed frustration at the loss of their only armored vehicle on island.
"We're a little nervous that if China or Russia invades the island, we might not be able to get around," said Cpl. Devin Wood, of Haiku. "We had to take Maui Bus into our shifts today. We feel kind of cooped up at the Armory, without ol' Betsy around for a getaway if needed. Or for an ABC Store run."
Patchy rain nearby, with a high of 76 and low of 71 degrees. Don't forget your umbrella! Sunny for the morning, patchy rain nearby in the afternoon, clear during the evening, patchy rain nearby overnight.
Thank goodness Alanui is on the job! I heard even Bezos is in on it
“Maui is our number one safety cone account!” They helped
me buy my house by buying 1 million safety cones at $100 each “
Haha! Long Beach does not have the beauty of Maui but she is trying.
Whales breaching or sunset any day would have been a better choice.
The LBC (Snooop Dog calls it this and you can too) loves Maui!
Yes! The LBC. Snoop's old record store on Anaheim St. is now a 7-11.
71° and Clear