Judge releases two men charged in relation to a series of burglaries at Hilo businesses

Ha‘oli Kanawaliwali Santos, 29, and Hunta Santos, 24, both of Hilo, were arrested and charged in connection with a series of burglaries at Hilo businesses.

According to police reports, both Kanawaliwali Santos and Santos are charged in relation to a Feb. 18 burglary at Pono’s Used Cars, where an electric motor scooter and tools were stolen.

Kanawaliwali Santos is also facing charges for two Feb. 19 burglaries—one at Prince Kūhiō Plaza, where a cash register was stolen from the Body Art kiosk, and the other at Longs Drugs, where an ATM and safe were damaged and numerous keys were stolen.

Both men made their initial appearances in Hilo District Court on Monday afternoon. Over prosecutors’ objections, the court released both Kanawaliwali Santos, who was held on $131,000 bail, and Santos, held on $20,000 bail, on supervised release. Both were ordered to appear for preliminary hearings on March 9, 2026.

As the complaint alleges, Kanawaliwali Santos is charged with:

• Three counts of burglary in the second degree
• Three counts of criminal property damage in the fourth degree
• Two counts of theft in the fourth degree

And single counts of:

• Criminal property damage in the second degree
• Theft in the second degree
• Theft in the third degree
• Possession of burglar tools
• Promoting a dangerous drug in the third degree

As the complaint alleges, Santos is charged with single counts of:

• Burglary in the second degree
• Theft in the second degree

The most serious charges, including burglary in the second degree, theft in the second degree, criminal property damage in the second degree, and promoting a dangerous drug in the third degree, are all class C felony offenses and carry a maximum penalty of a five-year prison term.

Prosecutors have provided notice that, if convicted as charged, Kanawaliwali Santos faces sentencing to a mandatory prison term and will not be eligible for probation. The charges are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The cases were initiated by South Hilo Patrol, and the felony investigation was handled by the Crime Reduction Unit, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Patrick Muñoz.

Anyone with information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.