Woman Arrested For Armed Robbery in Downtown Hilo

A 23-year-old Hilo woman has been arrested for allegedly robbing a downtown Hilo business today at gunpoint.

Police said Tia Nohealani Menino allegedly entered the establishment at the corner of Keawe Street and Furneaux Lane at 11:50 a.m., brandished a handgun and demanded money.

After the 33-year-old female employee complied, the robber fled with an undisclosed amount of cash and drove away in a white pickup truck.

Police said they were able to determine Menino’s identity and location after being provided with the truck’s license plate number. She was arrested about an hour later on Maka`ala Street in Hilo’s industrial area.

Menino was being held this afternoon without charges while police continue their investigation.

Police asked that anyone who may have witnessed the robbery contact Det. Derek Morimoto at 961-2380 or via email at dmoritmoto@co.hawaii.hi.us.