Kona Man Faces Felony Animal Cruelty Charges

Felony offenses have been handed down to a Kona man who was arrested for beating his dog, according to a Wednesday morning Hawai’i County Police Department release.

The man, identified as 23-year-old Joshua White, was spotted by an HPD officer on patrol Monday, repeatedly punching his dog in a car on Palihiolo Street in the Kealakekua area.

White was arrested and the Humane Society was called. He was also wanted for a car theft from a body shop on Maiau Street in Kailua-Kona on Oct. 7.

Upon being arrested, White was taken to the Kona police cellblock while the investigation by the Area II Criminal Investigations Section continued.

At 12:40 p.m Tuesday, White was charged with felony cruelty to animals, unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, and first-degree theft. His bail was set at $45,000.

White remained at the Kona police cellblock pending his initial court appearance Wednesday.