Police Charge Man in Auto Thefts

A 28-year-old Puna man has been charged with two counts of unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle after being suspected of being involved in two incidents involving stolen vehicles.

The Hawai’i Police Department reports that on Aug. 8, a 2005 Toyota Tacoma was taken from Aheahea Street in Hilo. According to police, the truck was recovered from Kukuau Street in Hilo, where the suspect was spray painting it.

Another incident reportedly occurred on Aug. 30 when a 2003 Ford Focus was taken from a home on Hawaiian Beaches. The victim spotted the suspect driving the vehicle in the Orchidland area.

The driver of the Aug. 30 incident was arrested. Police have identified him as Kealiiokekai Kamanu of Pahoa.

HPD charged Kamanu on Wednesday and he remained at the cellblock pending his initial court appearance that was scheduled for Thursday.