Solar Bandits Target Puna Park

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Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources is seeking help in finding the culprit or culprits who ripped off solar panels and damaged property at MacKenzie State Recreation Area in the Puna district of the Big Island last weekend.  

The solar panels powered new composting toilets. 

From DLNR: 

Some of the items that were stolen are part of a sewage containment system and not of much value to those that have taken them because of the specialized nature of the parts.

It is not yet known how long it will take to find replacement parts and components of the stolen and damaged facilities.

Hawaii County Police Department and DLNR DOCARE enforcement officers are investigating. Estimates on the value of items stolen are pending. Anyone with information about the theft of items is asked to call the DOCARE branch office in Hilo at (808) 974-6208.

– Sophie Cocke


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