A repair crew inspecting freeway lights yesterday discovered the most significant copper theft reported in recent memory after thieves made off with almost 6 miles of wire from fixtures between Kunia and Makakilo.

The 30,240 feet of copper wire is valued at $120,960 and was taken from lights that were already out after copper thieves stole portions of the wire earlier this year.

The wiring connected 14 light fixtures in the east- and west-bound lanes of H-1 Freeway between Kunia and Makakilo.

A crew with the state Department of Transportation tasked with inspecting fixtures for thefts and damage every Friday discovered the missing copper.

A police patrol officer, who follows the crew on their rounds, initiated a first-degree theft investigation.

"Copper theft is an ongoing problem," said Honolulu police Capt. Frank T. Fujii. "We urge the public to report suspicious activity, especially if they see people taking copper or know anyone who is buying stolen copper."

The theft is the second major copper heist reported in the area in the past two months.

On Nov. 29, a DOT repair crew discovered that someone had stolen 1,350 feet of copper wire worth $5,450 from the lighting system along H-1 Freeway in Waikele.

The wiring powered more than two dozen highway lights along the west-bound lanes of the freeway from Waikele to the Kunia exit. The area is now dark at night.

Police opened a second-degree theft investigation in connection with the discovery.

Police and sheriff's deputies say a loosely affiliated group has been stealing copper from lighting fixtures along H-1 in Kapolei and H-2 near Ka Uka Boulevard.

Miles of copper wire have been disappearing from light fixtures along state freeways for more than a year, and large stretches of freeway remain unlit at night.

Copper theft has been on the rise in the Islands, with criminals stealing not only from street and freeway lights, but also churches, schools and Honolulu International Airport.

Losses in copper-theft cases reported to Honolulu police in 2006 surpassed $760,000, police have said.

It is a felony to steal a pound or more of copper, and scrap recyclers are required to check the identity of anyone trying to sell copper. They also must get a signed statement from the seller — usually on the receipt — saying the seller has the right to sell the copper.

Recyclers who violate the statutes face a misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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