Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo man, 60-year-old Duane Ho‘ohuli, was charged as being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, following the execution of a search warrant upon a property on East Palai Street in Hilo by members of the Area I Vice Section on April 8, 2022.
As the Complaint alleges, Ho‘ohuli, a repeat offender with prior felony convictions for Place to Keep Loaded Firearms Other than Pistols and Revolvers, Ownership or Possession Prohibited, and Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree, was charged with two counts of Ownership or Possession of Firearm Prohibited and two counts of Ownership or Possession of Ammunition Prohibited. If convicted as charged, Ho‘ohuli faces sentencing to a mandatory prison term based on his prior felony convictions.
Ho‘ohuli is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Monday. He remains in custody in lieu of $100,000.00 bail.
The investigation was handled by members of the Area I Vice Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner.
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