2 Hawai‘i County employees charged with stealing gas from Hilo Police Station

Two Hawai‘i County Department of Public Works employees are charged with stealing gas from the Hilo Police Station.

Hawai‘i Police Department reports that 37-year-old Christin Eve Ho‘omaikainani Ho of Hilo is charged with two counts of third-degree theft and 39-year-old Chase K. Leopoldino of Hilo is charged with one count of third-degree theft.

Ho’s bail was set at $2,000. Leopoldino’s bail was set at $1,000. Both posted bail Monday evening and told to appear at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 24 in Hilo District Court.

Ho was seen shortly after 5 p.m. Nov. 23 driving a Hawai‘i County vehicle and pulling up to the fuel pumps at the Hilo Police Station, where she filled gas into a privately-owned vehicle driven by Leopoldino.

Ho was seen shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday again driving a Hawai‘i County vehicle and pulling up at the Hilo Police Station fuel pumps. She also had another man with her, who was later identified to be a family member, during this incident.

Ho then left the area and the family member put fuel into another privately-owned vehicle.

Ho and Leopoldino were arrested Monday afternoon while on duty.

Hawai‘i Police Department Area I Criminal Investigation Section detectives continue the criminal investigation. The Hawai‘i County Department of Public Works is also conducting an internal investigation.

Anyone who might have information relative to this incident and/or the individuals involved is asked to contact Detective David Po‘ohina at 808-961-2385 or via email at David.Poohina@hawaiicounty.gov.

You can also call the Hawai‘i Police Department non-emergency line at 808-935-3311.