Two Puna women accused of stealing a car from a 7-Eleven parking lot

Two Pāhoa women are facing charges after taking a Nissan Versa originally reported stolen on May 7 from the parking lot of the Pāhoa 7-Eleven Store.

Kauka Santiago, 21, and Kawai Kahe‘e, 24, made their initial appearances in Hilo District Court on Friday.

Santiago is charged with first-degree theft, first-degree unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, habitual crime and third-degree promotion after being found with methamphetamine. Her bail was maintained at $55,000.

Kahe‘e was charged with first-degree theft, first-degree unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug as she too was found with methamphetamine. Her bail was maintained at $45,000.

The most serious offense, first-degree theft, is a class B felony that carries a penalty of either a 10-year prison term or four years probation and up to 18 months in jail.

Both women were ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing today.