Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 24 year-old Thomas Kaho’oilihala of Puna was charged in relation to a January 30 burglary in Ainaloa that involved the attempted theft of a Toyota 4Runner. Officers also recovered a Ford Bronco, which was originally reported stolen from a Waiakea Uka residence on January 27.
As the Complaint alleges, Kaho’oilihala, a repeat offender with prior convictions for Burglary in the First Degree and Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle, was charged with Burglary in the First Degree (enter a dwelling with the intent to commit theft and/or criminal property damage), Attempted Theft in the Second Degree (substantial step in exerting unauthorized control over a Toyota 4Runner, valued over $750, with intent to deprive the owner of the property), and Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree (exert unauthorized control over a Ford Bronco without the owner’s consent). If convicted as charged, Kaho’oilihala faces a mandatory prison term and will not be eligible for probation. He was also arrested for 4 outstanding warrants, including two Circuit Court warrants related to revocation of his supervised release.
Kaho’oilihala was later granted supervised release again over Prosecutors’ objection; however, remains in custody in lieu of $45,000.00 bail for these new charges. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Hilo Circuit Court on Thursday February 10.
The case was initiated by Officers Taylor Cruz and Calvin Furtado, Puna Patrol and Officers Lawrence Matsumoto, Jr. and Benjamin Nishimoto, South Hilo Patrol. The felony arrest and investigation was handled by Officers Christopher Fukumoto, Michael Sailer, and Sheldon Adviento, Special Enforcement Unit, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Soong.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office