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Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 14.

Chief Moszkowicz said the decision not to arrest the 57-year-old came down to investigators’ opinion that there was no sufficient evidence to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Lauro intentionally and knowingly caused Ireland’s death.

Nathan Pedro of Pāhoa and Jackie Carter of Hilo made their initial appearances in Hilo District Court on Wednesday afternoon.

Between Feb. 23 and Feb. 25, the Hawai‘i Police Department conducted Operation Keiki Shield, a statewide coordinated effort designed to identify and arrest individuals using the internet to facilitate sexual crimes against children.

The 45-year-old is facing charges of second-degree unauthorized entry into a dwelling, two counts of third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug and prohibited acts related to drug paraphernalia.

A Puna man on felony probation is once again in custody and facing burglary, theft, criminal property damage charges as well as offenses of attempted sexual assault against a woman. The charges against Brandon Blye, 38, of Kea‘au, stem from several different incidents dating back to late August 2023, up until Sunday morning, when he […]

A Kona jury found a 29 year-old man from Captain Cook guilty of second-degree murder and first-degree arson for a 2021 shooting that occurred at a location known as the “End of the World.”

Keola Whitehead-Shibata was officially charged Thursday afternoon with second-degree attempted murder, ownership or possession prohibited, and carrying a firearm in the commission of a separate felony. He slated to appear in District Court for an initial appearance today.

Public defenders are usually overworked, but on the Big Island the problem is exacerbated with 4 of the 15 positions (26%) currently vacant, leading to the withdrawal from cases.

An event in the Hilo Peace Garden will be held on April 27 as part of the 42nd Anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a nationwide event that aims to honor crime victims and survivors and recognize individuals dedicated to serving victims in the community.

A recent survey conducted by the Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney showed residents were mostly aligned with prosecutors’ positions on a variety of topics, including harsher criminal penalties and adding more detention capacity, but some state officials are skeptical of the validity of its results.

Charles Zuffante, 61 of Keaʻau was sentenced in Kona Circuit Court on Monday to 20 years in prison for attempted promotion of methamphetamine.

A Kona grand jury indicted Jacqueline Keanaaina, 26 of Kailua-Kona, for 18 offenses in relation to two incidents, including one on March 10 when she was in a stolen vehicle during an officer-involved shooting.

The indictments of Wayne Emch, 41, stem from incidents that occurred within the Districts of South Hilo, Waimea, and North Kona between Feb. 9 and March 2, 2023. 

At the time of the commission of the possession and attempted distribution of methamphetamine, Sheena Andrews, 37, was on probation for felony drug crimes. 

Albert Kumia Jr. was on probation for felony property and drug crimes at the time of his last offense, according to prosecutors.

Samuel Imaizumi, 47, was charged with felony assault of the two police officers and resisting arrest.

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.

Jacob Kahai is scheduled to make his initial appearance on Tuesday afternoon in Hilo District Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $51,000 bail.  

Throughout the past year, the office has met with community groups, neighborhood watches, community stakeholders and Big Island residents about their concerns and interests. Now the office is inviting members of the public to take its 2023 legislative initiatives survey.