UPDATE: No Charges Yet in Tsunami Evacuation Burglaries

A Keaukaha man arrested on suspicion of being involved in a burglary that occurred during the tsunami evacuation on Oct. 27 has been released without charges on that offense pending further investigation.

However, the suspect, 28-year-old Kalani Ahuna, was charged with two drug offenses.

Police Capt. Robert Wagner said Ahuna was charged last week with third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bail was set at $4,000.

After Ahuna made an initial appearance in court today he posted bail and was released.

He had been arrested late Thursday afternoon on suspicion of committing a burglary of a dwelling during a civil defense emergency.

The offense is a class “A” felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Police last week renewed their request for information relating to eight burglaries reported in the Keaukaha area of Hilo while the tsunami warning was in effect. Anyone with information, including residents who did not evacuate and may have seen suspicious persons in the area, was asked to contact Sgt. James Correa at 961-2289 or the police department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.