Second Man Arrested and Charged in Sept. 8 Burglary

A second man was arrested and charged in connection with a Sept. 8 burglary in the Orchidland Estates subdivision.

According to a Hawai’i Police Department release, a Puna man reported that he returned to his home on 34th Ave. in Orchiland to find a man entering his home through a window and then exiting and fleeing in a van driver by another man.

On Wednesday, police arrested the suspected driver. The man, identified as 24-year-old Jesley Saniatan of Hilo, was arrested on the strength of a Grand Jury indictment for burglary of a dwelling during an emergency declaration.

Saniatan’s bail was set at $10,000 and his initial court arraignment was scheduled for Thursday morning.

The suspect who entered the home was arrested on Sept. 18 and charged with the same offense. The individual was identified as 23-year-old Ronald Altura Jr. of Kea’au.

On Sept. 4, Mayor Billy Kenoi proclaimed a state of emergency for the Puna District under Act 111 of the 2014 Hawai’i State Legislature. Under these terms, classifications of certain crimes, including burglary, are elevated while the emergency proclamation is in effect.

The enhancement of burglary increases the crime from a class B felony to a class A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison with no possibility of probation.

Other offenses, including theft, robbery and any assault against an emergency worker, also face elevated penalties.