Police Charge Kona Woman in Robbery Investigation

Hawai‘i Island police have charged 33-year-old Krystal Hernandez of Kailua-Kona with first-degree robbery and second-degree promoting a detrimental drug following an incident reported Friday evening, August 7, 2026, near the 75-5500 block of Kuakini Highway in Kailua-Kona.

At 5:52 p.m., Kona patrol officers responded to the area after a 43-year-old woman reported that an acquaintance had robbed her at knifepoint.

According to the victim, she encountered Hernandez near the Kona pool and gave her $40 after Hernandez asked her for money. As the victim began walking away, Hernandez allegedly grabbed the victim’s fanny pack, brandished a folding knife, and threatened her. Hernandez then allegedly used the knife to cut the strap of the fanny pack before fleeing the area.

The victim was not injured.

On Saturday, August 8, patrol officers located Hernandez in the area of Kalani Street and Kuakini Highway. During the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for bags in Hernandez’s possession. Upon executing the warrant, detectives recovered a folding knife, property identified by the victim as belonging to her, and 242 grams of a green plant-like substance that tested presumptive positive for marijuana.

Hernandez was charged with first-degree robbery and second-degree promoting a detrimental drug on Saturday, August 8. Her total bail was set at $51,000 and she made her initial court appearance on Monday, August 10.

Anyone who may have information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Chandler Nacino at (808) 326-4646, extension 3262, or by email at chandler.nacino@hawaiipolice.gov.