Hilo Man Charged in Theft Spree

Hawai‘i Island police have charged 28-year-old Bryan Kaipo Pi´ilani, of Hilo, with theft after he allegedly stole items from three stores in Hilo late last month.

On Saturday morning, Feb. 27, 2021, Pi´ilani was located at a residence on W. Kawailani Street in Hilo, where he was arrested police detectives.

After conferring with county prosecutors, detectives charged Pi´ilani on Sunday morning with two counts of first-degree theft during an emergency period and fourth-degree theft. His bail was set at $51,000.

The charges stem from three separate shoplifting incidents last month, during which Pi´ilani reportedly entered a retail establishment and removed various items without paying for them. All three incidents occurred in Hilo.

Police said that on Monday, Feb. 22, Pi´ilani removed approximately $160 worth of items from a surplus store on Mamo Street. On Tuesday, Feb. 23, Pi´ilani removed approximately $379 worth of items from a convenience store on Kino´ole Street. Then on Thursday, Feb. 25, Pi´ilani removed approximately $365 worth of items from a convenience store on W. Kawailani Street. In all three incidents, Pi´ilani was observed on the store’s video surveillance cameras.  

Pi´ilani remained in police custody pending his initial court appearance which was scheduled for today, Monday, March 1, in Hilo District Court.

Police want to remind the public that in light of Governor David Ige’s current COVID-19 emergency proclamation, that there are enhanced penalties for certain offenses. These offenses include, but are not limited to, burglary, theft, criminal property damage, and robbery.