Hawaii Police Officer Pleads No Contest to Tampering with Evidence

STATE OF HAWAIʻI KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR KE KIAʻĀINA DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA ANNE LOPEZ ATTORNEY GENERAL HAWAIʻI COUNTY POLICE OFFICER ENTERS PLEA FOR TAMPERING WITH PHYSICAL EVIDENCE News Release 2026-09 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 25, 2026 HILO, Hawaiʻi – On February 25, 2026, Hawai‘i Police Department Officer Blane Kenolio pled no contest to the criminal charge Tampering with Physical Evidence. Kenolio asked the presiding court to grant deferred acceptance of his no contest plea. The charge stemmed from Kenolio’s unconstitutional search of an arrestee’s belongings inside the Hilo Police Station. Kenolio searched a closed container found inside the arrestee’s handbag without a warrant. He then sprayed an alcohol solution on the outside of the closed container and thoroughly wiped it down to remove trace evidence of his search. The investigation was conducted by the Department of the Attorney General’s Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) and the Hawai‘i County Police Department. “Officer Kenolioʻs no contest plea underscores the importance of accountability and adherence to constitutional protections. The rule of law applies equally to everyone,” said Attorney General Anne Lopez. “We thank the Hawaiʻi Police Department for its

Department of the Attorney General News Release 2026-09 cooperation and professionalism throughout this investigation and we remain committed to maintaining public trust in our justice system.” “Professionalism, integrity, and respect for constitutional protections are the cornerstones of policing," said Hawai'i Police Chief Reed Mahuna. "We value the collaborative and professional manner in which this matter was investigated and remain committed to serving our community with transparency and accountability.” The case, State v. Blaine Kenolio et al., 3CPC-26-0000022 is being prosecuted by SIPD Deputy Attorney General Benjamin Rose. Tampering with Physical Evidence is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2026 at 9 a.m. # # # Media contacts: Dave Day Special Assistant to the Attorney General Office: 808-586-1284 Email: david.d.day@hawaii.gov Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov Toni Schwartz Public Information Officer Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General Office: 808-586-1252 Cell: 808-379-9249 Email: Toni.E.Schwartz@hawaii.gov Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov