A 53-year-old man was charged over the weekend with keying an SUV at a shopping complex in Hilo, a problem that has "sporadically plagued" the town for several years, Big Island police said.

Corey H. Yamanouchi

Corey H. Yamanouchi was arrested Friday and charged Saturday with third-degree criminal property damage. He was released after posting $500 bail.

Police said an off-duty officer saw Yamanouchi scratch or "key" the hood of a parked SUV while in the parking lot of Prince Kuhio Plaza, causing more than $1,000 in damage. The owner of the SUV did not know Yamanouchi.

Police are still investigating several reports of similarly damaged vehicles in the plaza, in downtown Hilo and other areas.

Anyone with information about any of these cases is asked to call police at (808) 935-3311.

Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 in Hilo or (808) 329-8181 in Kona.