Hilo, Hawaii – 27-year-old Samson Mahu of Hilo has been charged in connection with a string of burglaries that plagued several local businesses between January and February of this year.
Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced the charges this week, which stem from incidents reported at four establishments in the Hilo area.
According to police reports, Mahu is implicated in several thefts, including a burglary at Leung’s Chop Suey House on January 24, followed by successive burglaries at Kenworth Hawai‘i and Daiichi Ramen in early February.
Specifically, Daiichi Ramen was targeted on multiple occasions, with break-ins occurring between February 3-4 and again between February 6-7. Additionally, Mahu is connected to a burglary at Kitchen & Beyond on February 7-8. The Area I Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) apprehended Mahu on February 12, following an extensive investigation into the burglaries.
He is currently in custody, with bail set at a staggering $448,000. Mahu is scheduled for his initial court appearance on Wednesday afternoon at Hilo Circuit Court. Charged via Information, Mahu faces a total of 24 allegations across five separate case numbers.
The charges include multiple counts of Burglary in the Second Degree, Theft in various degrees, and Habitual Property Crime. Particularly concerning is the charge of Theft in the First Degree, classified as a Class B felony, which could result in a ten-year prison sentence or four years of probation, along with the potential for up to 18 months in jail. In addition to the burglary charges, Mahu faces allegations of Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree for allegedly possessing methamphetamine, further complicating his legal situation.
As the investigation continues, the charges remain allegations, with Mahu presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The felony investigation was led by the CRU and the Area I Criminal Investigation Section of the Hawai‘i Police Department, with Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Patrick Muñoz overseeing the prosecution.
In light of these recent events, local residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities. Individuals with further information regarding this case are urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
