Hawaiʻi Island police have arrested and charged a 44-year-old Hilo man with illegal fireworks offenses.

At approximately 12:50 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area 1 Vice Section arrested 40-year-old Shaun KAHAUNAELE (Shaun LEGASPI), of Hilo, following the execution of an illegal aerial firework search warrant at his residence in Hilo.

During the search of the residence, police recovered approximately twelve (12) pounds of various aerial devices, display fireworks and/or articles pyrotechnic, along with firework sale sheets, price lists, a leger showing thousands of dollars in illegal firework sales, and a small amount of marijuana concentrate.  Additionally, $15,000 in US currency believed to be profits from illegal firework sales was seized for forfeiture.

After conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office, Area I Vice detectives charged KAHAUNAELE (LEGASPI) with the following offenses:

•        One (1) count of Felony Firework License or Permit Required.

•        One (1) count of misdemeanor Firework License or Permit Required.

KAHAUNAELE’s total bail was set at $23,000.  KAHAUNAELE’s initial court appearance will be on the afternoon of November 12, 2024, in South Hilo District Court.

Hawai‘i Police Department reminds residents that anyone purchasing, possessing, storing, setting off, igniting or discharging aerial devices, display fireworks or articles pyrotechnic without a valid pyrotechnic permit may face Class C felony charges resulting in a five-year term of imprisonment, if convicted.

Police ask anyone who may have information regarding this investigation to contact Detective Charrise WAKITA of the Area I Vice Section at (808) 961-2249, or via email at Charrise.Wakita@hawaiicounty.gov