Hilo Man Charged with Three Felonies

22-year-old Kekanaka B. Perez-Poai of Hilo. Photo: HPD.

A Hilo man was arrested and charged on Thursday, Feb. 2, in connection with the theft of a golf car at Waiākea High School.

The gas-powered cart was thought to be taken sometime between Tuesday, Jan. 31, and Wednesday, Feb. 1, in addition to two car batteries from a secured storage area at the high school campus.

Following an investigation, Hawaiʻi Island Police identified 22-year-old Kekanaka B. Perez-Poai of Hilo as a suspect in connection with the burglary. Perez-Poai was subsequently arrested and charged with three felony counts after

Police recovered the stolen golf cart as well as a glass pipe with suspected meth residue on his person. The charges included unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and third-degree promotion of drug paraphernalia. His bail was set at $6,000. Detectives are continuing to investigate the burglary.

Anyone with information about this case or any witnesses who observed anyone operating the golf cart is asked to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or to contact Detective Tuckloy Aurello at (808) 961-2385 or tuckloy.aurello@hawaiicounty.gov.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.