Kea’au Man Faces Enhanced Charges in HPP Burglary

The Hawai’i Police Department has charged a 22-year-old man with unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle and attempted burglary of a dwelling in connection to an incident that happened Nov. 12 in Hawaiian Paradise Park. The man could face enhanced penalties for committing crimes during an emergency declaration.

On Wednesday at 6:50 a.m., HPD responded to a report of a burglary in progress on 3^rd Avenue off of Kaloli Street in HPP.

A 60-year-old woman alleged that she saw a woman on her property and then saw a man attempting to steal her pickup truck.

The woman confronted the individuals, which led to them fleeing on foot before officers could arrive. Police were able to determine that the man had attempted to break into the house before being confronted by the victim.

Shortly after, police located the man on 1^st Avenue and the woman on 2^nd Avenue. The two were arrested and taken to the Hilo cellblock while detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section continued to investigate.

The individuals were identified as 22-year-old Sebastian Hernandez of Kea’au and 25-year-old Olivia Medeiros of Mountain View.

Medeiros was released Wednesday afternoon pending further investigation.

Meanwhile, Hernandez was charged with unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle and attempted burglary of a dwelling during an emergency declaration, which enhances the attempted burglary charge from a B felony to an A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison with no possibility of probation.

Hernandez was also charged with contempt of court for an unrelated matter.

His bail was set at $12,300. He remained at the cellblock until his initial court appearance Thursday.

Mayor Billy Kenoi proclaimed a state of emergency for the Puna District on Sept. 4 under Act 111 of the 2014 Hawai’i State Legislature. Under the proclamation, the classification of certain crimes are elevated, carrying enhanced sentencing.