Hilo, Hawaiʻi – Kunia Hassard, 39, of Hilo, has been arrested and charged in connection with an arson incident that occurred at Ace Auto Glass on last Friday, July 25, 2025. Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced the charges today. Hassard has an extensive history of prior criminal convictions and pending charges, and prosecutors have provided notice that if convicted as charged, he faces a mandatory prison term.
According to police reports, South Hilo Patrol officers located Hassard on this past Saturday, July 26, 2025, and he was placed under arrest.
Hassard made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court this afternoon, Monday, July 28. He appeared via cellblock video before Judge Jeffrey Hawk. During the hearing, a Public Defender’s motion to withdraw due to a conflict of interest was granted, and Jennifer Wharton was appointed as new counsel. Hassard waived the reading of the charges and entered a Not Guilty plea.
Crucially, the Court denied Hassard’s motion for supervised release, aligning with the State’s objection to his release. Judge Hawk noted receipt of a previously signed and filed probable cause finding for further detention. His bail was maintained at $70,000.00. He was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 2:30 PM in South Hilo courtroom 2B. He remains in custody.
Extensive Legal History: Hassard’s encounters with law enforcement date back to October 18, 2006, marking an extensive legal history involving a pattern of felony and other charges.
Among these, a particularly serious felony case stemming from a June 20, 2023, incident (where he was alleged to have used a sickle to injure two individuals and steal a bicycle) was resolved on February 26, 2025. In that case, while some charges were dismissed, Hassard pleaded No Contest to two counts of Assault in the Second Degree (Class C felonies). He was sentenced to 4 years of probation and 1 year of incarceration with credit for time served. This conviction contributes to his “Habitual Property Crime” eligibility.
- March 2025 Charges: On July 16, 2025, a Habitual Property Crime charge and a Criminal Trespass II charge stemming from a March 9, 2025, incident were dismissed (Nolle Prosequi). However, he did plead No Contest to a separate Criminal Trespass II from that same date, receiving a 2-day jail sentence (with credit for time served).
- July 2025 Pending Felony Charge: At the time of his arrest for the arson on July 26, Hassard was out on his own recognizance (ROR) for a separate felony charge. This charge, Criminal Trespass I (dwelling), stems from an incident on July 13, 2025, and remains pending. He was released on his own recognizance by Judge Jeffrey Hawk on July 18, 2025, despite state objection.
Current Charges: The criminal complaint alleges Hassard is currently charged with:
- Arson in the Second Degree (accused of setting fire to and/or causing property damage exceeding $1500)
- Habitual Property Crime
Arson in the Second Degree is a Class B felony offense, which carries a potential penalty of either a ten-year prison term or four years probation and up to eighteen months in jail. Habitual Property Crime is a Class C felony offense, carrying a potential penalty of either a five-year prison term or five years probation and up to twelve months in jail. Prosecutors have provided notice that if convicted as charged in the current case, Hassard faces sentencing to a mandatory prison term and will not be eligible for probation.
The charges are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The arson investigation was handled by Officer Kinaole Hernandez and Sgt. Bryson Miyose of South Hilo Patrol, Hawaiʻi Police Department. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Heipua Ah Loy is prosecuting the case.
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney encourages anyone with information to assist local law enforcement to call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.