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. 🌴🔍

In this episode of Beneath the Palms, we uncover the heartbreaking story of Dawn Momohara, a 16-year-old McKinley High School student whose life was tragically cut short in 1977. Dawn’s murder remained unsolved for nearly 50 years until advancements in DNA technology and relentless investigative work finally brought her killer to justice.

Join Scott as he dives into the details of this historic case, discussing the brutal crime, the decades-long wait for answers, and how science ultimately cracked the case. He explores the impact of this resolution on Dawn’s family, the community, and the future of cold case investigations in Hawaii.

Every tip matters, and justice is always worth pursuing. If you or anyone you know has information about unsolved cases:

Honolulu Police Department - Cold Case Unit

Phone: (808) 529-3111

Crime Stoppers Honolulu

Phone: (808) 955-8300

Website: http://www.honolulucrimestoppers.org

Your information could make a difference. Let’s bring justice to those who deserve it.

Stay tuned to Beneath the Palms, where we continue to explore the darkest corners of Hawaii’s true crime history. Music by Yoza, song is Obsession available on all streaming platforms http://www.yozamusic.com

Episode 4: The Honolulu Strangler - Theories, Murders, and a Cold Case Resolution

In this chilling episode of *Beneath the Palms*, we dive deep into the unsolved case of the Honolulu Strangler, a serial killer who terrorized the island in the 1980s. With a haunting profile and a series of disturbing murders, we explore the terrifying details of the victims, the investigation, and the disturbing twists along the way. Who was the killer? Was it Howard Gay, the prime suspect who failed a polygraph and was released? Or was there someone else hiding in plain sight?

Join us as we uncover the layers of this cold case, the terrifying theories, and the shocking connections that kept the police and FBI on edge for years. We also look at how advances in DNA technology are offering hope in solving unsolved crimes like this one.

If you have any information related to the Honolulu Strangler or any unsolved cases, please contact the following:

Honolulu Police Department - Cold Case Unit

Phone: (808) 529-3111

Crime Stoppers Honolulu

Phone: (808) 955-8300

Website: http://www.honolulucrimestoppers.org

Your information could make a difference. Let’s bring justice to those who deserve it.

Stay tuned to *Beneath the Palms*, where we continue to explore the darkest corners of Hawaii’s true crime history.

Music by Yoza, song is Obsession available on all streaming platforms http://www.yozamusic.com

Episode 3 Synopsis:

In this episode of Beneath the Palms: Hawaii’s True Crime Chronicles, we delve into the haunting disappearance of Diane Suzuki, a vibrant 19-year-old who vanished without a trace in July 1985. Diane was last seen at the Rosalie Woodson Dance Academy in Aiea, where she worked as a dance instructor. Her case remains one of Hawaii’s most perplexing cold cases, filled with unanswered questions, chilling theories, and devastating heartbreak for her loved ones. Join us as we explore the details of her disappearance, the prime suspect, and the theories that have kept this case alive for decades.

If you or anyone you know has information about the disappearance of Diane Suzuki, please contact the Honolulu Police Department's Cold Case Unit at (808) 723-3609 or CrimeStoppers at (808) 955-8300. Tips can also be submitted online at http://www.honolulucrimestoppers.org. Your information could help bring closure to Diane’s family and friends.

Music by Yoza, song is Obsession available on all streaming platforms http://www.yozamusic.com

In this episode of Beneath the Palms: Hawai‘i’s True Crime Chronicles, Scott and Carrie dive deeper into the unsolved death of Leilani Kim. With no definitive answers after nearly five decades, they explore the most compelling theories—from personal connections and jealous rivals to mysterious encounters at the Kona Hilton. Filled with intriguing speculation and witty banter, this episode unravels the possible motives and lingering questions behind one of Hawai‘i’s most haunting cold cases.

If you or anyone you know has information about the death of Leilani Kim, please contact the Honolulu Police Department's Cold Case Unit at (808) 723-3609 or CrimeStoppers at (808) 955-8300. Tips can also be submitted online at http://www.honolulucrimestoppers.org. Your information could help bring closure to Leilani’s family and friends.

If you’re enjoying Beneath the Palms, please take a moment to rate, follow, and share your feedback! It really helps me improve the show and keep it going. Want to support the podcast or access show sources for free? Join Beneath the Palms on Patreon soon.

In the premiere episode of Beneath the Palms: Hawai‘i’s True Crime Chronicles, Scott and Carrie unravel the mysterious and unsolved death of Leilani Kim, a young mother and businesswoman whose life ended tragically in a Kona hotel room in 1978. Was it a crime of passion, a random act of violence, or something more sinister? Join us as we explore her life, the puzzling details of the case, and the lingering theories that have haunted the Big Island for decades.

If you or anyone you know has information about the death of Leilani Kim, please contact the Honolulu Police Department's Cold Case Unit at (808) 723-3609 or CrimeStoppers at (808) 955-8300. Tips can also be submitted online at http://www.honolulucrimestoppers.org. Your information could help bring closure to Leilani’s family and friends.

If you’re enjoying Beneath the Palms, please take a moment to rate, follow, and share your feedback! It really helps me improve the show and keep it going. Want to support the podcast or access show sources for free? Join Beneath the Palms on Patreon soon.