Hilo man arrested, charged in connection with Ace Auto Glass arson

Kunia Hassard, 39, of Hilo has been arrested and charged in connection with an arson incident that occurred at Ace Auto Glass on Friday, July 25.

On Saturday, July 26, South Hilo Patrol officers located and arrested Hassard. He has been charged with habitual property crime and arson in the second degree, which involves setting fire and/or causing property to be burned, resulting in damages that exceed $1,500.

Arson in the second degree is a Class B felony offense and carries a penalty of either a 10-year prison term or four years’ probation and up to 18 months in jail. Habitual property crime is a Class C felony offense and carries a penalty of either a five-year prison term or five years’ probation and up to 12 months in jail.

However, prosecutors have provided notice that if convicted as charged, Hassard faces sentencing to a mandatory prison term and will not be eligible for probation, according to Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen.

At this time, Hassard remains in custody in lieu of $70,000 bail pending his initial appearance, which is set for Hilo District Court on Monday afternoon. The charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The arson investigation was handled by Officer Kinaʻole Hernandez and Sgt. Bryson Miyose from the South Hilo Patrol of the Hawaiʻi Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Heipua Ah Loy.

Anyone with information that could assist local law enforcement can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 808-961-8300.