Hawaii, known for its safety, serene beaches, and generally warm Aloha spirit, has been unsettled by recent incidents that may raise concerns for visitors and residents alike. It definitely caught our attention as we traveled around the islands for the Beat of Hawaii. It’s something we’ve personally never really thought about before in Hawaii, where we’ve talked about there being no place to run to if you steal a car or rob a bank.
Two high-profile carjackings already in 2024 have highlighted a potential risk that everyone needs to be aware of while exploring the islands. We certainly hope that it doesn’t become a growing trend.
Recent Maui carjacking incident.
The most recent incident, on June 4, 2024, occurred when a California couple’s Hawaii vacation took a terrifying turn while driving on the remote Piilani Highway on Maui. Lead photo is our own photo from driving that highway.
Christopher Helmer, a 35-year-old with a decades-long serious criminal history, allegedly forced the couple out of their Ford Mustang rental car at gunpoint.
It’s been reported he returned to the scene looking for the couple who were now hiding, fired a gun, and left. The couple eventually started walking toward the summit of Haleakala and, 24 hours later, were rescued by hikers and park rangers. Luckily, no harm ultimately came to them when they were eventually rescued by hikers and park rangers.
Helmer was arrested when he was seen driving their stolen car with a loaded firearm. He faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree robbery and firearm offenses. Authorities are investigating potential accomplices in this crime as well.
Helmer’s extensive criminal background dates back decades. It includes charges of kidnapping, sex assault, robbery, and terroristic threatening. Just a month before this carjacking incident occurred, he was released on bail following another kidnapping case.
This incident has brought significant attention to the safety of tourists on Maui, prompting local authorities and community members to rally in support of the victims.
We drove the Piilani Highway years ago after leaving Hana, which continues around the island and then to the Upcountry. It took us longer than expected, and we only remember one or two cars during the long stretch of road. Sunset came, and we were still driving. Our point is that this is a remote highway, and you should use caution if traveling alone.
2024 Waikiki carjacking incident.
Earlier in 2024, Waikiki was the scene of another alarming carjacking incident, and it remains unclear who all those impacted were, including residents and visitors.
Travis Coloma was arrested following an alleged carjacking that caused a multiple-vehicle pile-up on Kapiolani Boulevard. The chaotic and dramatic Waikiki event ended with Coloma crashing into six cars leading to his ultimate capture by police.
This incident, which resulted in three people being hospitalized, plus six vehicles damaged, underscores the dangerous and unpredictable nature of such crimes. Coloma was ultimately charged with robbery, auto theft, and outstanding warrants.
Could carjackings become a trend in Hawaii?
These incidents raise the question of whether carjackings could become a growing threat that tourists and residents of Hawaii need to be concerned about. Heck, until less than twenty years ago, we never took the keys with us when we left the car and frequently just left them in the ignition. So it’s a far stretch from that to being concerned about driving around Maui, as we are doing right now.
While thankfully, carjackings are quite rare compared to other petty crimes, their occurrence, especially when involving tourists, can significantly impact Hawaii’s image as the safe travel destination that it “almost” always is.
Authorities still emphasize that violent crimes are exceptions rather than the rule, as we would concur. However, the perceptions of over-tourism and the strain on the local community have occasionally led to some spikes in crime.
More frequent types of Hawaii crimes.
Far less significant yet concerning crimes include a rise in vehicle break-ins, especially at places including Electric Beach on Oahu and hiking spots on Kauai’s North Shore, for example. Thieves often target parked cars for valuables left inside. Authorities recommend not leaving items in vehicles, parking in well-lit and well-trafficked areas, locking cars, and reporting suspicious activity. Similar incidents across the islands highlight the need for more awareness and preventive measures to protect personal belongings.
And, at Electric Beach, you’ll recall the drowning and car theft incident last year: After a drowning incident where the victim was influenced by social media posts to go there, their rental car was also stolen. The beach is known for its dangerous conditions and lacks a permanent lifeguard station. This tragic event also points to risks associated with incomplete safety information on social media and highlights the need for visitors to exercise caution and be well-informed.
Are additional safety measures and community response needed?
As a result of these incidents, the Hawaii Tourism Authority and local law enforcement agencies are contemplating more robust safety reassurances. Increased patrols in popular Hawaii tourist areas may be possible, community awareness programs, and collaboration with other organizations that aim to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors.
The recent carjackings serve as a sad but necessary reminder for tourists and residents to not take safety entirely for granted, even in Hawaii, and to take precautions while traveling. Simple steps like avoiding isolated areas, especially at night, and staying aware of your surroundings can help mitigate risks.
While Hawaii remains a largely safe and welcoming destination, these carjacking incidents highlight the importance of staying informed and cautious. The community’s response and the swift actions of law enforcement demonstrate a commitment to maintaining the islands’ safety. Visitors can continue to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Hawaii with an added awareness of the potential risks.
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So why is this guy Helmund on the Street? We hear all about Governor Green and ‘Regenerative Programs’, how about Public Safety, how does this turd have a gun?
Just a thought: Extensive criminal background, outstanding warrants, bail. Go figure!
I drove Piilani Highway on my only trip to Maui. My biggest concern wasn’t crime, but not getting my rental car trashed by the couple of large pickup trucks headed the opposite way on the very narrow dirt portion. Yes, it is slow going.
A slightly tongue in cheek solution would be to rent cars with manual transmissions. Car jackers seem to have no clue how to drive them, but neither do most others these days. Yes, I drive one.
Like how hard is it to figure out for locals the percentage of cars that leave a Hotel Resort is probably a rental car. My guess 90%. Especially if the occupant’s are dressed like they are from somewhere else. Be safe take a taxi,Uber,Lyft,ride share, or public transit and avoid the whole problem. That’s the risk you take when you travel with billboard license plates.
Actually, there are quite a few locals at Resorts, at least in West Maui, where I live. However, the story about the couple who had their rental car stolen was in an area where there is no public transportation nor Uber or Lyft. Your comments make me think you have never been to Maui. Also, the police did find the car and the hijacker and he is back in prison.
Easy fix. Don’t rent cars with rental car plates that identify it as a rental vehicle. Tourist’s carry valuables in rental cars and they don’t have personal registered owners. Maybe consider ride share or Uber or Lyft.
Company name plates make it harder for authorities to identify the exact vehicle to apprehend.
The safest way to avoid crime Hawaii is simple don’t go!!!!!
In the state of Wisconsin, there is a rash of car thefts. Many end up crashed and trashed. Mostly being done by teens. If caught, they’re arrested for….. “using a car without the owners consent”. I’m not kidding! Slap on wrist and back on the streets the next day
Yes, we live just outside of Madison. Crime is on the rise with no consequences. When we first moved here it was a safe, great city. Now we choose to live rural, where crime is still lower, but crime is in the rise everywhere.
We’re rural, west of Madison and are super vigilant when in Madison. We’ve not had any incidents in Maui but crime can happen anywhere. Until they change the judicial system and increase consequences for crimes, deny bail for serious crimes and 2nd offenders, nothing will improve. Spend the money for more jails and prisons. Face it, some people have no moral compass and can’t be placed back into society. Many are mentally ill and need to be someplace they can’t hurt others. Too often the rights of the offender seem more important than the rights of the victim.
On a lighter note, why would anyone think Hawaii is safe with popular TV shows glorifying crime like 5-0, NCIS, White Lotus, etc.?
Who knows. Maybe this was a scare tactic story setup by some government agency to shoe away blue collar tourists. If a tourist isn’t renting a limo or chaffered type of paid high dollar tour group then weed out the non welcomed rental car crowd. Someone of this criminal history should have not been released in the first place which don’t make any sense to me. How did the person even get a gun? I thought guns were illegal for civilian’s to possess in Hawaii except law enforcement personnel. Are trackers put on rental cars? Who’s really tracking them if they are? Who can you really trust?
The 1st sentence of your comment is unbelievable. As I mentioned in my comments, a college of mine was assaulted at gun point near Makawao. We live here, not sure where you live thinking there is a government agency setting this up on purpose…wow!
My state don’t denote which type of tourist’s are wanted or welcomed either. In my state we even try to take care of the homeless in providing housing etc. Rich people don’t rent cars.
They are choffered or take a limo or pay to be taken places.
Ummm…Hawaii has crime like any other state in the nation. It might be a little lower per 100,000 in population than some other states, but it’s not Japan. You better lock your front door and your car door like everywhere else in the U.S.
Hawaii IS the 50th State. As a state, the citizens have all the rights of citizens of any other state – including the right to bear arms. Again, it’s not Japan where it is illegal for civilians to own guns.
Hawaii has the usual plethora of crimes, including robbery, arson, rape, assault, drugs, extortion, embezzlement, and yes, even murder and organized crime. The rate might be a little lower per 100,000 in population than some states, but it’s by no means the safest. You better lock your front door and car door when you’re there.
This article is a little misleading, as to read it, the reader may have the false assumption that carjackings are rare, and when they happen, they only happen to tourist. It doesn’t just happen to tourists.
You are right on one point, Japan doesn’t allow citizens to bear arms which is why they have less crime. In the US, not all states allow it and those that have the least restrictions have higher crimes. I think Alabama is on top of that list. We are still much safer in Hawaii than most other US states.
The overwhelming majority of people who commit crimes involving guns are criminals who are not allowed to have guns to begin with. Legal gun owners are a very small percentage of statistics in terms of crimes committed with guns… Government’s own statistics…
Best Regards
Liberal bail laws lead to massive increases in crime. Just ask anyone in CA, NY, OR or WA.
This guy was out on bail after kidnapping. I bet the bail wasn’t even that high ND with a bondsman you only need 8% so 100k bail means fronting 8k.
With his extensive criminal past why would they grant him bail for Kidnapping?!? Because liberal states are running themselves into the ground.
I was carjacked at gun point on a test drive in 2000 when it was at epidemic levels in California. Let me tell you I’m fortunate to be alive and able to write annoying posts here on BOH.
All kidding a side a week after my jacking another salesperson was jacked at a different dealership and was murdered. That one hit home with me.
If the jackers on Hawaii get away with their crime or if the media glorifies the jackers then yes it could become a problem.
Hi Richard.
Thank you!!
Aloha.
Thanks BOH, been running hard all day first chance to see your response.
As a side note the fellow that jacked me was caught and found guilty, but unfortunately for him he later found out that my dear wife was employed by California’s department of corrections. Needless things didn’t go well for him while in prison.
I agree with most of the replies on here as they are mature responses and I can not add anything better said. I did see a social media post on my fb account and was appalled by the blaming of the victims. I immediate deleted that account as it was run by the same moderator that made the statement and I will not return to that social media site. I love that I can read mature reviews on BOH. I feel bad for the victims, I feel bad that the bad guy does not get help to change his ways and I feel bad for the world that the governments will not lock these people up. Yes, trend is the new word and it will be trend until people pay for their crimes committed.
Judges and parole board members need to be financially liable for their poor decisions. A doctor can be sued for malpractice causing harm. Why not a judge who carelessly releases someone likely to re-offend?
I like that idea!
With 32 years of law enforcement experience behind me, I take exception to your inference that carjackings are just “petty crimes”. They too often turn into very violent, even fatal incidents, never mind the fear, even terror they inflict on their victims.
What puzzles me about this case is, why was this person, with a history of violence, walking around, vice: behind bars where he belonged??
Totally agree with you, Dennis.
Why is he out on bail? Is he related to someone, or is he and informant? He should never get out again!!! He’s pilau! Keep letting him out and he’ll keep doing the same, you’ll really deter tourism then!
Released on bail following another kidnapping case. Well, there you have it. Therein lies the problem; the criminal justice system in Hawaii if they allow that is a complete joke. Anyone with a criminal history as extensive as the accused in this matter should have never been given bail.
Career criminals must be dealt with in a harsh manner, and if you don’t have the stomach to do that, you don’t belong anywhere near the criminal justice system.
When a government fails to protect its law, abiding citizens from predators, that government has failed and should be changed sooner than later.
Just one more thing, it is outrageous to suggest that law abiding citizens need to modify their behavior so as to avoid criminals, criminals should change their behavior. Criminals need to be looking over their shoulder, not the law, abiding citizen.
I agree with you, especially the last paragraph.
By no means am I suggesting that crime Hasn’t gotten worse, like all places, overall crime has increased over the years, but I think Hawaii is still a little better than most states overall. When I was growing up on Oahu (born and raised – live in New England now) in the 60s – late 80s, there were always places/times you don’t tread through.
One of my best friends growing up was found with another guy, both tied up and shot through the head execution style in one of the pineapple fields. It was only a few years out of high school, and most of us believe it was related to the drug trade at the time.
There was another one involving a visitor on 92/Nimitz in Kalihi a few months ago as well. The victim pulled over by Sand Island IIR late at night and was promptly jacked.
Hawaii really is safer than most of the CONUS, but too many tourists come here with the idea that it’s just one big tropical version of Disneyland populated with kindly grass skirt wearing, pineapple picking locals strumming ukes, and throwing shaka’s while surfing. They let their guard down and take risks that they probably wouldn’t otherwise.
I actually blame social media and its fixation on “the perfect place” for a significant chunk of this. I’ve written before that when we were kids we Didn’t go to these places because of their remoteness and the people you’d often find there…
Best Regards
here’s a thought, lock the criminals up for life or at least 50 years like they should have done to that helmer dude. also lock up the judge who let that criminal loose in the first place and file a lawsuit against hawaii and the judge/da for allowing a known violent criminal to roam the streets of hawaii.
Maui County has a missing persons list on the web. Seventeen people are reported missing just since 2019.
Maybe Mr. Helmer can help solve some of these cases?
Would the California carjacking victims been added to the missing list if not for their quick thinking and bravery?
The ordeal of carjacking, gunfire and an overnight scramble up Haleakala in bathing suits and flipflops sounds terrifying.
Why did Maui police Chief Pelletier fail to inform the press and public on June 5th of the risk of this violent predator?
The problem here is Not Car Jacking , just like the problem is not Purse Snatching , OR
Or Robbery, or Aggravated Assault. The problem is why is someone with such a long violent criminal record still living out on the street. Repeated offenders don’t deserve to be on the street to do bad again. Straighten that out and the problems go away.
There is an expressing fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. There is a message there in dealing with repeat offenders.
I hate to discourage anyone from driving the Piilani Highway – it is a bucket list item, for sure. When we have driven it (twice) in the most recent years it was during the day and we came across plenty of cars, mostly locals. Where we could stop we enjoyed talking to them about their lifestyle on that side of the island. But you are absolutely correct – travel by daylight and leave lots of time. In fact, when we go to Haleakala National Park (Kipahulu District is our fave) we prefer Piilani Highway because it’s quicker getting there. As for car-jackings they are likely not more plentiful because it’s an island – nowhere to run? As for smash-and-grabs, we all need to be more careful about what we leave in plain view – and where. Can’t wait to hear your report(s) of your island trips.
These kind of crimes need to be addressed before they become commonplace on the islands, as they have been in major cities across the US. This person should never have been out of prison to begin with, but like other liberal areas of the country, letting criminals free to terrorize the community seems to be the preferred way of dealing with crime. The state needs to pass stronger penalties and enforce them or this is just going to continue to escalate. At that point it will be extremely difficult to reverse course and return back to the days when people felt very safe on the islands. Stay on the current path and it will be yet one more reason for visitors to take their dollars elsewhere.
When’s the last time anyone was arrested for a smash and grab & theft of property from a parked, unoccupied vehicle? And if so they certainly were not sentenced to any ‘time inside’ a prison.
So why not? No risk to the criminal. No deterrent or threat via the Criminal Justice System. You get the society you tolerate. Tolerate crime? Yep, it will continue.
The way this is written-“the perceptions of over-tourism and the strain on the local community have occasionally led to some spikes in crime”-might read to visitors that tourists, not thugs, are responsible for their own gunpoint (with later gunshot-fortunately they were not hit) kidnapping/car hijacking by a local hoodlum with an extensive and dangerous sounding criminal record. The offender is the issue. Where I live (not NY or CA where we read of similar treatment of crimes) he would not be out on bail with a record like this after his earlier kidnapping charge, given his dangerous history. Now he allegedly offends again; another kidnapping/carjacking with a firearm; one that was fired in commission of the crime. I appreciate the pistol firing was later but if I were the victim I would likely feel he came back to kill us to cover up his crime. The state will rapidly develop an unsafe reputation if thugs like this are not aggressively prosecuted and punished if convicted.
Well glad to see the liberal justice system in Hawaii love to have their criminals running around creating more crime. Just like the mainland.
Guess hawaii doesnt beleive in 3 strike rule . Lets let violent criminals out to menace society some more. Hawaii practices the pay to play version all their own.
Over here do the crime and do no time as long as u pay. Judges should be recalled or voted out for incomptence. They failing the public.
It’s like that all over the US. Slaps on the hand, bail and they’re out on the street within days. Must be so frustrating for police. Someone in the legal system should be held responsible when these thugs are released and hurt or kill someone else.
The gun culture is now a part of Hawaii -for me ,it’s disturbing and sad—what happened to the music and idealism of Hawaii’s past-before the hostile monstrous trucks and gun culture,when now agression prevails?
Sad Hawaii -an extension of all that is wrong from mainland USA
The report of the high jacking is extremely concerning as a single traveler in a state that was considered very safe.
We’ve owned a condo on Kauai for 25 years and would go frequently, but on our last trip in 2020 we were accosted in front of the condo and haven’t returned since then. Being from TX, I remarked to security thar it’s probably good we can’t carry a gun there as we would have been tied up in court for years. Hawaii needs to reconsider open carry and stand your ground laws.
This latest carjacking news is concerning, primarily because we are older. I’m sure for everyone as well. About 2015 we drove Piilani Highway to Manawainui Gulch, blowing time and gas, before we left. We passed no cars as we drove. When we got to the Gulch, being amazed of the chasim, there was only one family parked when we arrived. We saw one vehicle, in the distance, driving the dirt part of the highway, but we never felt we could be endangered, but would think twice before driving it again.
The big thing is being aware of your surroundings. Don’t leave things in your car. Be safe.
Hawai’i severe lack of enforcement and holding criminals responsible is almost comical. Low bail, no bail, lack of accountability and level of “feeling sorry” for the criminals, while hardly having any sympathy is literally the worst I’ve ever seen. I do believe the court systems here really should be help accountable and potentially need Federal oversight. Enough is enough.
Unforturtunately, this doesn’t only happen to tourists. A former college of mine who lives upcountry waited in her husband’s truck while he was picking up something from the store in Pukalani (Maui) …she was quite shaken to be confronted at gunpoint telling her to get out…may be the same guy (people) in your story ..not sure. Either way, that guy should be shipped off to a mainland prison & never be allowed to come back.
There is that element in most societies. We should always be vigilant and aware of where we are and what’s happening around us. No placee is crime free. I think the main problem is that we’re too lax on punishment.
Don’t ship him to the mainland. We are not Hawaiis dumping ground
yeah, probably no space left for criminals on the mainland. That said, Hawaii is not your dumping ground either.
nay. tiger sharks need to eat.
Why should that native be sent to.mainland prison. He’s your home grown criminal who you allowed to flourish there with soft laws. You guys should pay to lock. Him up
That’s why I always carry my gun. I’d be one dead local for sure