Hawaii Police Department Officer Blane Kenolio pleaded no contest today to a charge of tampering with physical evidence.

Kenolio, 39, asked the presiding court to grant deferred acceptance of his no contest plea, according to the state attorney general’s office.

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 9 a.m. on May 28.

Should Hilo Circuit Judge Henry Nakamoto grant deferred acceptance of Kenolio’s no-contest plea, the conviction will be erased from his record if he stays out of further trouble with the law for a year.

The charge stemmed from Kenolio’s unconstitutional search of an arrestee’s belongings on May 24, 2023, 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 investigation was conducted by the Department of the Attorney General’s Special Investigation and Prosecution Division and the Hawaii Police Department.

“Officer Kenolio’s no contest plea underscores the importance of accountability and adherence to constitutional protections. The rule of law applies equally to everyone,” said Attorney General Anne Lopez in a statement. “We thank the Hawaii Police Department for its cooperation and professionalism throughout this investigation, and we remain committed to maintaining public trust in our justice system.”

“Professionalism, integrity and respect for constitutional protections are the cornerstones of policing,” said HPD Chief Reed Mahuna in a statement. “We value the collaborative and professional manner in which this matter was investigated and remain committed to serving our community with transparency and accountability.”

Another HPD officer, Noah Serrao, 28, faces charges of perjury, false swearing in official matters, and tampering with a government record in the same case.

Serrao is scheduled for a jury trial in Nakamoto’s courtroom at 8:30 a.m. June 8.

Perjury is a Class C felony offense which carries a potential five-year prison term upon conviction. All other charges against him are misdemeanor offenses that carry a maximum one-year jail sentence.

Because he is charged with a felony, Serrao was ordered to not own or possess any firearms or ammunition and to turn over any in his possession to the police department.