KEALAKEHE, Hawai'i — Big Island police are investigating attacks against campers at Ho'okena Beach Park in Honaunau.

The assaults by a group of men in their 20s occurred Jan. 27. The first victims reported the attacks at 7:32 p.m. on their way to Kona Community Hospital. While officers were taking the victims' statements at the hospital, another group of campers called police at 8:05 p.m. to request an ambulance. The next day, three more victims filed assault reports. All nine cases have been classified as misdemeanor assaults.

Police have identified possible suspects based on witness descriptions and tips from the community, and continue to pursue those leads, said Kona District commander Capt. Paul Kealoha.

Since the assaults, police have been conducting surveillance at Ho'okena Beach Park and have made several arrests unrelated to the Jan. 27 assaults, he said.

In July 2004, campers at Makalawena Beach in North Kona were attacked by a group of marauders. Four men were prosecuted for the crimes.

In response to the latest assaults, Big Island Police Chief Lawrence Mahuna said police "are dedicated to preserving the aloha spirit."

"We do not tolerate attacks on campers or anyone else," he said. "We are investigating these cases and will take every measure, both reactive and proactive ones, to see that the individuals responsible for these assaults are brought to justice."

Anyone with information should call officer Darren Cho at (808) 326-4646, ext. 253.