Repeat Felony Offender Charged With Car Theft

A 35-year-old Hilo man and repeat offender is facing theft charges in relation to a stolen Honda CR-V from a parking lot of a Hilo business on May 7.

Albert Kumia, Jr. was charged with second-degree theft; first-degree unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle; habitual property crime; and third-degree promoting a dangerous drug (methamphetamine). 

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen stated in a news release Friday, May 13 that Kumia is a repeat and persistent offender with five prior felony convictions.

All four of the charged offenses are class C felonies and carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison. If convicted as charged, Kumia faces sentencing to a mandatory minimum prison term without the possibility of parole.

According to court minutes, Kumia was facing revocation of his felony probation in two other unrelated matters and was recently released from custody after being granted supervised release over prosecutors’ objections on May 2, the news release stated.

Kumia is scheduled to make his initial appearance today in Hilo District Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $40,000 bail.