HONOLULU -- About $500,000 in irreplaceable jewelry was missing Saturday night after a theft that has left the local art community reeling, KITV 4 News reported.

Honolulu police are investigating a heist that happened inside the Honolulu Academy of Arts on May 14.

Authorities said gold pieces with gems were stolen from the Indian gallery on the Kinau Street and Ward Avenue corner of the building.

The gallery features Indian art, with much of it being donated by the Watumull family.

The theft was withheld for so long because the academy didn’t want to jeopardize the police investigation, sources told KITV 4 News.

A homeless man, who roams nearby streets, was suspected in the theft, officials said.

The museum declined talk about any improved security measures, and said its main focus is to find the stolen items.