Ocean View man charged with stealing a Jeep and possessing methamphetamine

Benjamin Kawika Jerin-Kealoha, 46 of Ocean View, was charged with stealing a Jeep rental car, resisting an order to stop and methamphetamine possession following his arrest on Jan. 21 in Kona.

Jerin-Kealoha also was arrested for two unrelated outstanding warrants, according to a news release from the office of prosecuting attorney Kelden Waltjen. 

He is scheduled to make his initial appearance today in Kona District Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $47,000 bail. 

Jerin-Kealoha was charged with first degree theft of a motor vehicle, first degree unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, possessing methamphetamine, first degree resisting an order to stop and driving without a license.

The most serious offense, stealing the Jeep, is a class B felony and punishable by a 10-year prison term or four years probation and up to 18 months in jail.  

Jerin-Kealoha has other criminal history on the Big Island, including being charged with property crimes for a reported burglary in Ocean View in 2021. He was seen the next day in a stolen truck, which contained the items taken from the burglary.

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