Hawai‘i Police Department Officer Blane Kenolio pled no contest to the criminal charge Tampering with Physical Evidence.

Kenolio asked the presiding court to grant deferred acceptance of his no contest plea.

The charge stemmed from Kenolio’s unconstitutional search of an arrestee’s belongings inside the Hilo Police Station. Kenolio searched a closed container found inside the arrestee’s handbag without a warrant. He then sprayed an alcohol solution on the outside of the closed container and thoroughly wiped it down to remove trace evidence of his search.

The case, State v. Blaine Kenolio et al., 3CPC-26-0000022 is being prosecuted by SIPD Deputy Attorney General Benjamin Rose. Tampering with Physical Evidence is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2026.