(Update) Police Arrest and Charge Suspect in Barnacle Parking Violation Investigation

Hawaiʻi Island police have arrested and charged 29-year-old Emmy Cedeno Perez of Kailua-Kona in their investigation of a parking violation scam involving a “barnacle” device placed on the windshield of a vehicle in west Hawai‘i.

Police launched the investigation after receiving two reports of a parking enforcement device known as a “barnacle” being placed on the windshield of parked vehicles at the top of Napo‘opo‘o Road near the popular Ka‘awaloa Trailhead in Captain Cook while on public property and within an area devoid of “no parking” signs.

A “barnacle” is a device similar to a briefcase that suctions to a vehicle’s windshield and can’t be removed until payment is made via instructions on the device. The device is then released by the driver via a code sent to the driver’s mobile phone. After payment, the driver is instructed to drop off the “barnacle” at a drop box for a partial refund of their payment. 

Through investigation, officers identified the party responsible for the “barnacle” as Cedeno Perez. He was arrested on Tuesday, May 27, and after conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office, was subsequently charged with the following offenses:

• Fraud
• Third-degree theft
• Second-degree criminal tampering
• Failure to appear
• Contempt of court
• Driving without a valid license

His bail was set at $11,600. Cedeno Perez posted bail and was released from police custody. He is awaiting a court date slated for June 26, 2025.

Police ask that if you have any information regarding this investigation, to please contact Kona Community Policing Officer John Harvey at (808) 326-4646 ext. 258, or via email at john.harvey@hawaiicounty.gov.