20-year-old faces robbery charges after alleged theft at Hilo Shopping Center

A 20-year-old from Keaʻau has been charged in connection with a robbery and theft investigation stemming from an incident in April at a shopping mall in Hilo, according to Hawaiʻi Island police.

Bronson Kaena Histo was arrested May 23 in Puna on an outstanding warrant tied to the case.

The investigation began on April 28 at about 4:35 p.m., when South Hilo patrol officers responded to a shopping center in the 100 block of Puainako Street following a reported theft at a mall kiosk.

Authorities said Histo allegedly removed jewelry from the kiosk and attempted to leave without paying. When confronted by a female sales clerk, he allegedly used force against her, causing minor injuries, before running away with the merchandise.

Detectives later identified Histo as the suspect and obtained an arrest warrant. He was charged with second-degree robbery and second-degree theft.

His bail was set at $15,000.

Authorities added that Histo was arrested on an unrelated bench warrant for failure to appear. He was scheduled to make his initial court appearance on May 26 in Hilo District Court.

Anyone with information on the April 28 incident is asked to contact Det. David Poohina at 808-961-2385 or by email at David.Poohina@hawaiipolice.gov.