Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo couple, 31-year-old Peter J. Vana-Staudinger III and 21-year-old Hi’ilani Ku’uleialoha Ayala, were charged in relation to a November 13th firearms incident in Eden Rock.
As the Complaint alleges, Vana-Staudinger was charged with two counts of Ownership or Possession of Firearm and/or Ammunition Prohibited (pending felony charges bound over to Circuit Court), and a single count each of Place to Keep Pistol or Revolver and Place to Keep Ammunition. His bail was set at $46,000.00. A review of court records indicates that at the time of the alleged incident, Vana-Staudinger was out on bail pending felony charges in an unrelated June incident.
As the Complaint alleges, Ayala was charged with Place to Keep Pistol or Revolver and Place to Keep Ammunition. Her bail was set at $5,500.00.The couple is scheduled to make their initial appearance today in Hilo District Court.
Vana-Staudinger made his initial appearance today in Hilo District Court via video from cell block. DPD Jonas Krave made an oral motion for Vana-Staudinger release under supervision. Objection by DPA Andrew D. Son for the State. Motion denied by Judge Jeffrey Hawk. Bail maintained at $46,000.00. Vana-Staudinger ordered to appear for Preliminary Hearing on 17-Nov-2021 at 02:00 PM in SH courtroom 2B. He remains in custody in lieu of $46,000.00 bail.
Ayala made her initial appearance today in Hilo District Court via video from cell block. DPD Jonas Krave made an oral motion for Ayala release. Objection by DPA Andrew D. Son for the State. Motion granted by Judge Jeffrey Hawk. Ayala released on supervised release. Ayala ordered to appear for Preliminary Hearing on 29-Nov-2021 at 02:30 PM in SH courtroom 2B
The investigation was handled by Officer Trenton Aurello, Puna Patrol, and Detective Casey Cabral, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i police department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sylvia Wan.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is 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.
