Puna Break-In Leads to Heightened Punishment

A 33-year-old man, identified by the Hawai’i Police Department as Blaine Faris III, will face the enhanced offense of burglary of a dwelling during an emergency declaration after breaking into a home in the Nanawale Estates subdivision in Puna.

On Oct. 19, police learned that an individual broke into a home on Kehau Road, removing various items, including a car.

Faris, a resident of Honomu, was later identified as a suspect and arrested on Thursday. He was charged with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and burglary of a dwelling during an emergency declaration.

Charges in this case carry the possibility of a heavier sentence, enhancing the burglary from a Class B felony to a Class A felony that is punishable by up to 20 years in prison with no possibility of probation.

Faris’ Bail was set at $60,000.

Mayor Billy Kenoi proclaimed a state of emergency for the Puna District, under Act 111 of the 2014 Hawai’i State Legislature, on Sept. 4. Classification of certain crimes, under the state of emergency proclamation, are elevated.