Puna Couple Charged in Connection to Stolen Truck in Hawaiian Acres

A Puna couple is facing charges in connection to an incident that occurred earlier this week involving a stolen truck and possession of methamphetamine and firearm ammunition in Hawaiian Acres.

Thirty-nine-year-old Justin Flores and 22-year-old Kawai Keiori Kaheʻe are scheduled to appear in Hilo District Court today on offenses that reportedly occurred Tuesday, Nov. 30.

Flores is facing charges of first-degree unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, ownership or possession of ammunition prohibited, place to keep ammunition and driving without a license. His bail is set at $39,000.

According to the Hawaiʻi County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Flores is a repeat offender with prior felony convictions for unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug. Court records indicate Flores was out of custody pending revocation of his felony probation when the alleged incident occurred.

If convicted as charged, Flores faces sentencing to a mandatory prison term.

Kaheʻe was charged with third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug after as she was reportedly found in possession of methamphetamine. She was also charged with prohibited acts related to drug paraphernalia. Her bail was set at $2,000.