Police Nab, Charge Murder Suspect

The Hawai’i Police Department has charged 39-year-old Kalani Lono Kaohimaunu, the suspect in a murder that took place in Hilo on Thanksgiving.

HPD reports that Kaohimaunu was arrested on Saturday morning at about 10:15 a.m.

Kaohimaunu was located by Area I Criminal Investigations Section and officers from the Special Enforcement Unit in Kalapana.

According to police, Kaohimaunu was arrested without incident on suspicion of second-degree murder.

Kaohimaunu was charged with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, ownership of a firearm prohibited, and place to keep a firearm. His bail was set at $1 million and he remains in custody, pending his initial court appearance on Monday.

During Kaohimaunu’s arrest, a dark blue Honda four-door sedan was recovered.

A 52-year-old woman was also arrested. Charity Kumia was with Kaohimaunu when he was located. She was arrested on offenses unrelated to the murder, including suspicion of altering a motor vehicle serial number and fraudulent use of license plates.

Kumia remains in police custody.

On Thanksgiving, officers responded to the 100 block of West Kawailani Street, where they found an unresponsive man outside a home with apparent gunshot wounds.

Witnesses in the area reported that they heard gunshots at the residence and reportedly hear a car that fled the scene.

Police identified the victim as 39-year-old Keola Penovaroff of Hilo. Penovaroff was pronounced dead at Hilo Medical Center.

An autopsy will determine the exact cause of death on Tuesday.

Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the shooting should contact Detective Todd Pataray by calling 961-2382 or e-mailing todd.pataray@hawaiicounty.gov.

Those who would prefer to share information anonymously should call the Big Island Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300.