Hawaii has no casinos, no lottery, and no legal gambling—on paper, at least. But behind closed doors, in the dimly lit backrooms of restaurants, strip malls, and unmarked buildings, illegal gambling thrives. In this episode of Beneath the Palms, Scott and Carrie dive deep into Hawaii’s underground gambling scene, exposing the secret world of high-stakes game rooms, international crime syndicates, and the hidden forces that keep this illicit industry alive. They explore why these operations continue to flourish despite frequent police raids, the dangerous ties to organized crime, and the devastating impact on the community. Retired detective Koa calls in to share his firsthand insights, adding his perspective on the corruption, money laundering, and dark underbelly of Hawaii’s gambling underworld.

Is law enforcement turning a blind eye? Who really profits from keeping gambling illegal in Hawaii? And what happens to those who get in too deep?

All this and more, in one of our most eye-opening episodes yet.

Credits & Additional Information:

* Hosted by: Scott & Carrie

* Guest Appearance: Retired Detective Koa

* Intro & Outro Music: Obsession by Yoza

* Follow her on Instagram: @yozamusic

* Website: yozamusic.com

* Available on all streaming platforms

If You Have Information or Need Help:

* Honolulu CrimeStoppers: (808) 955-8300 or visit Honolulu CrimeStoppers

* HPD Cold Case Unit: (808) 529-3111

* Problem Gambling Resources: National Council on Problem Gambling - (800) 522-4700

Beneath the Palms—where even paradise has shadows.

In this episode of Beneath the Palms, Scott and retired detective Koa take a deep dive into how DNA technology revolutionized criminal investigations. From its early days to groundbreaking cases worldwide, they explore how forensic genealogy, AI, and cyber forensics are closing cases once thought unsolvable. They discuss infamous cases, including the Golden State Killer, Hawai‘i’s own Dawn Momohara case, and the chilling murder of Teresa Cormack in New Zealand—solved after 15 years thanks to advancements in DNA analysis.

As science evolves, justice is catching up with criminals who thought they got away. If you're fascinated by how DNA is rewriting the rules of crime-solving, this episode is for you.

As always, if you have any information on an unsolved case in Hawai‘i, you can contact: 📞 Honolulu Police Department Cold Case Unit: (808) 529-3111

📞 CrimeStoppers Honolulu: (808) 955-8300 or visit honolulucrimestoppers.org to submit a tip anonymously.

🎶 Music Credit:A huge mahalo to Yoza for her song Obsession, featured in our intro and outro. Support her incredible music:

📷 Instagram: @yozamusic

🌎 Website: yozamusic.com

🎵 Available on all streaming platforms.

🔎 Follow Beneath the Palms for updates on future episodes, true crime discussions, and exclusive content.

Even in paradise, darkness lingers beneath the palms. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and we’ll see you next time. 🌴🔍

In this gripping episode of Beneath the Palms, Scott is joined by retired detective Koa as they dive deep into the evolution of forensic investigations, cyber forensics, and the cutting-edge technology changing the game in solving cold cases. From the early days of crime-solving with nothing but gut instinct and hard legwork to modern forensic genealogy, AI-driven analysis, and cybercrime tracking, this episode uncovers how criminals are running out of places to hide.

Koa shares first-hand insights into the investigative techniques that have cracked impossible cases, along with stories of criminals who thought they could outsmart science—but failed. They discuss the rise of cybercrime, how social media has become both a tool for law enforcement and a playground for criminals, and what the future holds for forensic science.

As always, if you have any information on an unsolved case in Hawai‘i, you can contact: 📞 Honolulu Police Department Cold Case Unit: (808) 529-3111

📞 CrimeStoppers Honolulu: (808) 955-8300 or visit honolulucrimestoppers.org to submit a tip anonymously.

🎶 Music Credit:A huge mahalo to Yoza for her song Obsession, featured in our intro and outro. Support her incredible music:

📷 Instagram: @yozamusic

🌎 Website: yozamusic.com

🎵 Available on all streaming platforms.

🔎 Follow Beneath the Palms for updates on future episodes, true crime discussions, and exclusive content.

Even in paradise, darkness lingers beneath the palms. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and we’ll see you next time. 🌴🔍