Police continues search for robbery suspect

LIHUE — The Kauai Police Department is continuing the search for a man believed to be responsible for robbing the First Hawaiian Bank on Rice Street in Lihue Thursday morning.

“We’re still actively looking for the subject who basically walked into here and got some undisclosed amount of money from the bank,” said Bryson Ponce, assistant chief of KPD.

The suspect is described as a dark male, possibly in his 50s, and is roughly 5’11”. He was wearing a white long-sleeved shirt and a light-colored cap at the time of the incident.

The robbery occurred at approximately 10 a.m.

According to police, the man walked into the bank, passed a note to the teller stating that he had a gun and demanded money.

He then fled on foot in an unknown direction.

First Hawaiian Bank employees could not comment on the robbery, but the Bank Manager of the branch did say that “everyone’s fine.”

An employee at Chevron, next door to First Hawaiian Bank, said she didn’t realize there had been a robbery until a friend came in the store, asking why police were in front of the bank.

“It happened so fast, when I found out, it was unbelievable,” she said.

Police urge anyone with information to call 911 immediately. Anonymous tipsters can call CrimeStoppers, 246-8300.

CrimeStoppers is a non-profit organization that offers cash rewards of up to $1,000 to anyone furnishing anonymous information that leads to an arrest.

This is not the first time the bank has been targeted.

Last year, Walter Mills, was arrested after police say he robbed First Hawaiian Bank at around 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 4.

Mills, who escaped from Kauai Community Correctional Center the night before, led police on an eight-hour manhunt, during which police say he robbed pharmacy, stole a truck and hijacked two vehicles.

Mills, 43, was later found near Kokee Lodge, and was taken into custody.