A 36-year-old Hilo man, Keli‘i Nobriga-Brown, was arrested on December 15, 2024, after an alleged theft incident in the parking lot of the Hilo Safeway. According to police reports, Nobriga-Brown is believed to have reached into an open front passenger window of a vehicle and attempted to steal a purse while the driver was inside. After the incident, he reportedly fled the scene on a bicycle.

South Hilo Patrol officers apprehended Nobriga-Brown shortly afterward, near the Prince Kuhio Plaza. Following his arrest, he was charged with multiple offenses, including Unauthorized Entry Into a Motor Vehicle in the First Degree, two counts of Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree, Promoting a Detrimental Drug in the Third Degree, and charges related to the possession of prohibited ammunition.

Nobriga-Brown made his initial court appearance on Tuesday afternoon in Hilo District Court. His bail was set at $41,000, and he is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on December 19, 2024.

As outlined in the charges, Nobriga-Brown faces several felony offenses. Unauthorized Entry Into a Motor Vehicle in the First Degree and Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree are both class C felonies, each carrying potential penalties of up to five years in prison or four years probation, with up to twelve months in jail. The charge of Ownership or Possession of Ammunition Prohibited is a class B felony, punishable by a ten-year prison sentence or up to four years probation and up to eighteen months in jail.

The charges against Nobriga-Brown are still allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Detective Scotty Aloy of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section led the investigation, and the case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kirsten Selvig.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains committed to ensuring justice is served with integrity. Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.