Hawai‘i Island police have charged 28-year-old Bryan Kaipo Piilani, of Hilo, with theft after he stole items from three stores in Hilo late last month.

On Saturday morning, February 27, 2021, Piilani was located at a residence on W. Kawailani Street in Hilo, where he was arrested by police detectives.

After conferring with county prosecutors, detectives charged Piilani on Sunday morning with two counts of first-degree theft during an emergency period, and fourth-degree theft. His bail was set at $51,000.

The charges stem from three separate shoplifting incidents last month during which Piilani entered a retail establishment and removed various items without paying for them. All three incidents occurred in Hilo. On Monday, February 22, 2021, Piilani removed approximately $160.00 worth of items from a surplus store on Mamo Street. On Tuesday, February 23, Piilani removed approximately $379.00 worth of items from a convenience store on Kinoole Street. Then on Thursday, February 25, Piilani removed approximately $365.00 worth of items from a convenience store on W. Kawailani Street. In all three incidents, Piilani was observed on the store’s video surveillance cameras.

Piilani remained in police custody pending his initial court appearance which was scheduled for today, Monday, March 1, in Hilo District Court.

Police want to remind the public that in light of Governor David Ige’s current COVID-19 emergency proclamation, that there are enhanced penalties for certain offenses. These offenses include, but are not limited to, burglary, theft, criminal property damage, and robbery.