LIHUE, Hawaii (AP) - Hawaii authorities have arrested a man suspected of demanding money from people who needed help during severe flooding on Kauai island.
The man is accused of taking advantage of residents and visitors who were stranded during the weekend’s historic rain and flood, Hawaii News Now reported Thursday.
“The boat operators would pull up on the shore and invite people onto the boat, with the idea they would carry them over to by where the St. Regis Hotel is, to get them to a place of safety,” said Kauai Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar.
The victims told police that the boat operators waited until they about 200 yards (183 meters) off shore to demand payment before going any further.
Big Island resident Liana Leaulii was told it would cost $200 per person.
Police learned about the operation through posts on social media.
Police arrested a man on suspicious of extortion, robbery and terroristic threatening.
The suspect is a self-described pirate who has had previous run-ins with the law, police said.
“That kind of conduct is just completely unacceptable,” Kollar said. “And there has to be swift and serious action taken against anyone who’s doing anything like this.”
Kauai authorities have identified multiple victims and are investigating the allegations.
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Information from: KGMB-TV, http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/
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