Thieves rip off campaign signs

By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Central O'ahu Writer

Charles Aono's campaign signs ask residents to "declare war on crime."

But it's as if war has been declared on signs instead, as dozens of placards and banners, Aono's among them, have been stolen in Pearl City in the past few months.

"Unfortunately, I guess I'm a victim instead," said Aono, a Democrat campaigning for the seat in state House District 36.

It's not only political signs that are being stolen, but those announcing church and children's sports events, too.

State Sen. Cal Kawamoto, D-19th (Waipahu, Pearl City), said seven re-election signs posted in front yards of supporters were stolen last weekend. Other candidates in the area have reported their yard signs taken as well.

Kawamoto, who estimated the value of his 6- to 8-foot-wide signs at $2,000, is offering a $1,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible.

"This person could face a Class C felony if he is caught," Kawamoto said, referring to the crime category for stealing personal property valued at over $300. "I'm hoping the reward will lead to the arrest of this person or at least discourage him or her from doing it now that people are keeping an eye out."

Kawamoto, who paid to have his signs made professionally, said the theft of campaign signs would leave candidates with less money to donate to nonprofit community organizations.

Police Sgt. Paul Gongob said there have been no leads or arrests since Kawamoto filed a police report this week.

Aono said 36 of his 230 campaign signs have been stolen since he began campaigning in May.

"It's happening sometime during the early morning hours," Aono said. "Whoever this guy is is a sick person, because he's going into people's yards at night to steal the signs. These signs are not on public property."

Aono said that even after better securing some of the campaign signs, he later found a few of them slashed.

"I expect to lose more signs, and I don't expect this guy will be caught," he said. "I'll just accept the lost signs as part of campaigning."

Kawamoto said he doesn't believe that the thefts are politically motivated.

Reach Scott Ishikawa at sishikawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2429.