WAIMEA — Kaua‘i police arrested a father and son from Kekaha Sunday morning after someone reported seeing two men attempt to abandon a vehicle at a historical state park. On the morning of March 19, police responded to the complaint
WAIMEA — Kaua‘i police arrested a father and son from Kekaha Sunday morning after someone reported seeing two men attempt to abandon a vehicle at a historical state park.
On the morning of March 19, police responded to the complaint at the Russian Fort Elizabeth in Waimea. There, a witness said a concerned citizen confronted them. They then left with the vehicle.
Later that afternoon, police received a second complaint of a vehicle dumped on private property in Makaweli, county officials said in a press release Wednesday.
Following further investigation, police believed that the culprits involved with the dumping in Makaweli were the same two men that had attempted to abandon their vehicle at Russian Fort.
Police then arrested 51-year-old Nelson Rita and his 18-year-old son, Neil, in connection with the illegal dumping.
County spokeswoman Sarah Blane said details about the vehicle, including its make, model and year, are being withheld during the ongoing investigation.
The junior Rita faces charges of criminal littering, second-degree criminal trespassing. His father’s charges are identical with the addition of defacing a serial number.
They were later released with pending court appearances.
Since the beginning of the year, the Kaua‘i Police Department has conducted 76 abandoned/derelict vehicle investigations in the Waimea area.
Lt. Richard Rosa, Waimea District Commander, said he couldn’t say why people choose to abandon vehicles, but it has been a growing issue in the Waimea district.
“Hopefully these recent arrests will deter this type of activity in the future and serve as a reminder that abandoning a vehicle is a punishable crime,” Rosa said via an email from Blane.
Police encourage community members to provide information about such crimes.
“Please do not attempt to confront potential criminals, call the police,” he said.
To report a person attempting to abandon a derelict vehicle, call Police Dispatch at 241-1711.
To report an abandoned vehicle, call the abandoned vehicle coordinator at 241-4836.
Legal owners may dispose of vehicles free of charge by completing a Statement of Facts Relating to Junking of Vehicle form available at the Department of Motor Vehicles. For more information call, call 241-4256.
• Jessica Musicar, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or by e-mailing jmusicar@ thegardenisland.com.
