Two Hakalau residents charged in connection with the theft of a Honda CR-V and multiple drug-related offenses were released on supervised release following their initial appearances in Hilo District Court on Monday. Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen confirmed the charges against 59-year-old Lara Wells and 59-year-old Gregg Fujiyama, who were arrested on December 27, 2024.

Arrest and Investigation

The charges stem from a September 18, 2024, incident in which a Honda CR-V was reported stolen from a gravel parking lot at Reed’s Bay in Hilo. Police recovered the vehicle at a Hakalau property, where they arrested Wells and Fujiyama.

During a subsequent search of the vehicle, police discovered over ten grams of substances testing presumptive positive for methamphetamine, along with four glass smoking pipes, a digital scale, and other drug paraphernalia.

Charges Filed

Wells has been charged with:

• Theft in the First Degree (theft of a motor vehicle)
• Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree
• Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possession of methamphetamine)
• Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia

Fujiyama faces charges including:

• Unauthorized Entry Into a Motor Vehicle in the Second Degree
• Two counts of Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree (possession of one-eighth ounce or more of methamphetamine)
• Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree
• Promoting a Detrimental Drug in the Third Degree
• Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia

Court Proceedings

Wells was being held on $90,000 bail, and Fujiyama on $126,000 bail, before their supervised release was granted over prosecutors’ objections. Both defendants have been ordered to appear for preliminary hearings on January 13, 2025.

Class B felony charges, such as Theft in the First Degree and Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree, carry potential sentences of up to ten years in prison or probation with up to 18 months in jail. Class C felonies, including Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree, carry penalties of up to five years in prison or probation with up to 12 months in jail.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation was conducted by South Hilo Patrol, with support from the Area I Crime Reduction Unit and South Hilo Community Policing Section. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ryan Caday.

The Prosecutor’s Office reminds the public that all charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.