HPD Officer Pleads No Contest to Tampering Charge

Blane Kenolio faces sentencing in May for unconstitutional search and evidence tampering

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Hawai'i Police Department Officer Blane Kenolio has pled no contest to a criminal charge of Tampering with Physical Evidence. The charge stems from Kenolio's unconstitutional search of an arrestee's belongings inside the Hilo Police Station, where he searched a closed container without a warrant and then sprayed an alcohol solution on it and wiped it down to remove trace evidence of his search.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about potential misconduct and abuse of power by law enforcement officers, as well as the importance of upholding constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. It also raises questions about the integrity of evidence handling procedures within the Hawai'i Police Department.

The details

According to court documents, Officer Kenolio searched a closed container found inside an arrestee's handbag without obtaining a warrant. He then sprayed an alcohol solution on the outside of the container and thoroughly wiped it down in an effort to remove any trace evidence of his unconstitutional search.

  • On February 27, 2026, Kenolio pled no contest to the Tampering with Physical Evidence charge.
  • Kenolio's sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2026.

The players

Blane Kenolio

A Hawai'i Police Department officer who pled no contest to a criminal charge of Tampering with Physical Evidence.

Benjamin Rose

The SIPD Deputy Attorney General prosecuting the case against Kenolio.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold law enforcement officers accountable when they violate the constitutional rights of citizens and attempt to cover up their misconduct.”

— Benjamin Rose, SIPD Deputy Attorney General

What’s next

Kenolio's sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2026, where the presiding judge will decide whether to grant his request for deferred acceptance of the no contest plea.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of robust oversight and accountability measures within police departments to prevent abuses of power and ensure the integrity of the criminal justice system.