Hilo Couple Charged With Firearm Offenses

Preliminary hearings have been scheduled for a Hilo couple facing charges in connection to a firearms incident in Eden Roc.

On Monday, Nov. 15, 31-year-old Peter J. Vana-Staudinger III and 21-year-old Hi’ilani Ku’uleialoha Ayala appeared virtually from the Hawaii Police Department cellblock before District Court Judge Jeffrey Hawk.

Vana-Staudinger has been charged with two counts of ownership or possession of a firearm and/or ammunition prohibited (pending felony charges bound over to Circuit Court), and a single count each of place to keep pistol or revolver and place to keep ammunition.

Ayala was charged with Place to Keep Pistol or Revolver and Place to Keep Ammunition. Her bail was set at $5,500.

According to court records, Vana-Staudinger was out on bail pending felony charges in an unrelated June incident when he was arrested. Hawk maintained Vana-Staudinger’s bail at $46,000. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 17.

Ayala was granted supervised release. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 29.