HILO, Hawaiʻi – A Hilo man has been arrested and formally charged with multiple serious offenses, including robbery involving a knife, following an incident at the KTA Puainako grocery store on May 30, 2025. Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 36-year-old Andrew Storseth faces charges related to the robbery, shoplifting, prohibited possession of ammunition, and possession of methamphetamine.
Storseth made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Monday morning, June 2, 2025. His bail was maintained at $194,000.00, and he has been ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing today, June 4, 2025.
According to the Complaint, Storseth is charged with Robbery in the First Degree, Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree, Theft in the Fourth Degree (Shoplifting), Place to Keep Ammunition, Ownership, Possession, or Control of Ammunition Prohibited, and Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (specifically, possessing any amount of methamphetamine).
The most severe charge, Robbery in the First Degree, is classified as a Class A felony under Hawaiʻi law and carries a potential penalty of a twenty-year prison term. This offense typically involves committing theft while being armed with a dangerous instrument (such as a knife) and using or threatening force.
The charge of Ownership, Possession, or Control of Ammunition Prohibited is a Class B felony, which carries a potential penalty of a ten-year prison term. Prosecutors have also provided notice that if Storseth is convicted as charged, he may be subject to a mandatory prison term and could be ineligible for probation.
As with all criminal proceedings, the charges against Andrew Storseth are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case was led by Officer Devon Manuel of the South Hilo Patrol, with Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ryan Caday handling the prosecution.