Authorities search for escaped inmate in Kalihi

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Authorities are searching for a 20-year-old inmate who escaped Wednesday morning from the Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC).

The Honolulu Police Department received a report around 9:45 a.m. that Joseph Tauilemua had escaped.

According to the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Tauilemua is a pre-trial felon charged with robbery in the second degree. Staff discovered him missing following a visitation, officials said.

HPD described him as 5-foot-8 and 135 pounds with short, black hair. DCR described him as 6-foot-3 and 165 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.

HPD said Tauilemua was last seen wearing dark-colored pants and a wristband on his left hand, but was without shoes or a shirt.

Authorities urge anyone with information to call 911 or the Hawaii Sheriff Division at (808) 586-1352.

Hawaii News Now followed the police investigation from Kalihi to Mapunapuna to Sand Island.

HPD’s helicopter was seen circling OCCC multiple times, and police launched its new drone as well in several different locations.

According to sources, HPD got an anonymous tip that an inmate was seen running behind the old Blood Bank building on Dillingham Street where he took off his green uniform shirt and then changed clothes.

Hawaii News Now saw officers with HPD’s Specialized Services Division carrying that shirt at Puuhale Road and Kaumualii Street with a K-9 unit, calling for the escaped inmate to “come out with your hands up!”

Community left in the dark

Although the escape was reported before 10 a.m., officials did not publicly identify the inmate until 1:45 p.m.

Some nearby buildings and businesses, including Hawaii News Now, initiated temporary lockdown or shelter-in-place protocols as a precaution. But many businesses, including those across the street from OCCC, were not notified.

“In a way I was surprised, because I didn’t hear anything about what he looked like, height, weight, color eyes. In other words, no description. How are you supposed to help?” said Maggie Kibota, who was shopping in the area.