CrimeStoppers rewards set record

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

Nearly everyone who was entitled to Honolulu CrimeStoppers rewards claimed the money last year — a record $28,165 was paid out — possibly out of economic necessity.

Coordinator Detective Letha DeCaires yesterday said that in previous years, only one of three people sought the reward. In the past, people saw their tips as a public service, but now that attitude might be changing out of survival, DeCaires said.

"It may be tied to economic changes in our society. It may be just a sign of the times. People need money," DeCaires said.

CrimeStoppers helped initiate 1,463 cases last year and rewards were paid to 137 people, the highest numbers since the program began in 1981, DeCaires said.

In its annual statistics, CrimeStoppers recorded 623 solved cases, recovered $61,927 in property, seized $19,098 in narcotics and assisted in 241 arrests.

The program assisted in such cases as the murder of Kane'ohe liquor store owner Song Chol Marshall, the arrest of Hawaii State Hospital escapee Leonard Moore and the return of prized guitars stolen from the home of musician Cyril Pahinui.

CrimeStoppers operates a hotline that takes anonymous tips about crimes and criminals. Rewards can be as high as $1,000 if information helps solve a crime.

The program works closely with the police and is coordinated by a police officer.

But, CrimeStoppers is a separate, nonprofit program. That allows it to solicit money and give rewards, which the Honolulu Police Department cannot do.