Two national investigative television programs will feature Kaua‘i and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of several of its residents in upcoming months. “Dateline NBC” and “America’s Most Wanted” will cover the story of John Elwin, a Kaua‘i resident for more
Two national investigative television programs will feature Kaua‘i and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of several of its residents in upcoming months.
“Dateline NBC” and “America’s Most Wanted” will cover the story of John Elwin, a Kaua‘i resident for more than 30 years who confirmed dead in the Philippines of a gunshot wound to the head. He had been reported missing nearly six months ago.
Members from the crew from “America’s Most Wanted” wrapped up this weekend while “Dateline” is scheduled to cover the case Nov. 6.
The network news magazine will also investigate the breach of the Ka Loko Reservoir dam following residents’ requests to look into the dam break that claimed the lives of seven people in March.
Kaua‘i resident Luis Soltren, a longtime friend of Elwin, filmed with the “America’s Most Wanted” crew Saturday. The taping included going to Elwin’s estate, his paint shop in Kapa‘a and visiting with his polo horses.
Hank Jacinto, also known as Henry Calucag, is accused of stealing Elwin’s identity, land and property, including his polo horses. Elwin was last seen alive on a mid-summer business trip to the Philippines with Jacinto.
Jacinto, who faces first-degree theft and second-degree forgery charges, was registered on several Web sites, including one that solicited support for Filipino orphans, www.webionic.com.
A Honolulu home belonging to Jacinto’s girlfriend, Debbie Anagaran, also used to belong to a missing man, Arthur Young, who was last seen in the Philippines 12 years ago.
Douglas Ho has been linked to Jacinto after his arrest in the Elwin case, having traveled with him to the Philippines and never returning, according to Honolulu police.
Jacinto is being held without bail at O‘ahu Community Correction Center.
Soltren hopes the show will not only unearth any other possible victims, but also will encourage others to report suspicious circumstances that could give law enforcement leads for other cases.
“Anyone who has experienced something similar to this should not be silent,” Soltren said. “Had the previous two cases been revealed, John would still be here with us today.”
As for wrapping up the events surrounding his best friend’s death, Soltren is relying on his faith, he said.
“I believe in God, the judicial system, the police and the people investigating the case.”
The air dates have not yet been scheduled.
• Amanda C. Gregg, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or agregg@kauaipubco.com.
