Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a couple, 20-year-old Kuuhauoliakaleinani Giminiz-Brzezowski and 31-year-old Alisha Whitney, both of Hilo, were arrested and charged in relation to the theft of a Honda CR-V and a service dog from the Prince Kuhio Plaza parking lot on August 13, 2022.
As the Complaint alleges, Giminiz-Brzezowski was charged with two counts of Theft in the Second Degree (obtain or exert unauthorized control over the property of another, the value of which exceeded $750, with intent to deprive the owner of the property) and a single count of Theft in the First Degree (obtain or exert unauthorized control over the property of another, a Honda CR-V, with intent to deprive the owner of the property). Giminiz-Brzezowski remains in custody in lieu of $9,000.00 bail.
As the Complaint alleges, Whitney was charged with Accomplice to Theft in the First Degree (obtain or exert unauthorized control over the property of another, a Honda CR-V, with intent to deprive the owner of the property), Accomplice to Theft in the Second Degree (obtain or exert unauthorized control over the property of another, the value of which exceeded $750, with intent to deprive the owner of the property), and Unauthorized Possession of Confidential Personal Information. Whitney remains in custody in lieu of $45,000.00 bail.
Both Giminiz-Brzezowski and Whitney are scheduled to make their initial appearances on Tuesday in Hilo District Court.
The case was initiated by Officers Dustin Chaves, Kaipo Aurello, Lisa Ebesugawa, and Roland Kuamo‘o, South Hilo Patrol. The felony investigation was handled by Detective Scotty Aloy, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Nathan Wersal.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.