A Hilo man, 34-year-old Hiram Kawelu III was arrested and charged with burglary, theft of two firearms, felon in possession, and possession of oxycodone offenses. The charges arise from an October 16, 2022 incident on the shoulder of Mamalahoa Highway in Captain Cook and a November 2, 2022 burglary from a residence on 34th Avenue in Orchidland. On November 3, 2022, Kawelu was arrested after officers located him within a vehicle parked fronting a business on Kalara Street in the Shipman Industrial Park.
Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that as the Complaints allege, Kawelu, who has multiple prior felony convictions, was charged with eleven offenses in two separate criminal cases. In the East Hawai‘i case, Kawelu was charged with two counts of Burglary in the First Degree, Theft in the First Degree (obtain or exert unauthorized control over the property of another, an AR-15 style rifle, a firearm, with intent to deprive the owner of the property), Ownership or Possession of Firearm Prohibited (prior felony conviction), Ownership or Possession of Ammunition Prohibited, and Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any amount of oxycodone). In the West Hawai‘i case, Kawelu was charged with Theft in the First Degree (obtain or exert unauthorized control over the property of another, a .22 caliber pistol, a firearm, with intent to deprive the owner of the property), Ownership or Possession of Firearm Prohibited, Ownership or Possession of Ammunition Prohibited, and Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree.
The most serious offenses, Ownership or Possession Prohibited, Burglary in the First Degree, and Theft in the First Degree, as all class B felony offenses which carry a maximum penalty of a ten year prison term.
Kawelu made his initial appearance on Monday afternoon in Hilo District Court. His total bail was maintained at $144,500.00 and he was ordered to appear for his preliminary hearing on November 9, 2022 in Hilo District Court.
The East Hawai‘i case was initiated by Officer Mark Kaili, Jr., Puna Patrol, and the felony investigation was led by Detective John Balberde, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The West Hawai‘i case was handled by Detective Jason Foxworthy, Area II Criminal Investigation Section. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Kirsten Selvig and Kate Perazich.
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.