Today, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo man, 27-year-old Jeremy Costa was charged with terroristic threatening for an August 29th incident.

As the Complaint alleges, Costa was charged with a single count each of Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree (with the use of a dangerous instrument) and Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree. Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree is a class C felony offense that carries a maximum penalty of five (5) years in prison.

A review of court records indicates that at the time of the alleged offenses, Costa was pending criminal charges for several unrelated matters including another terroristic threatening incident that occurred earlier this month.

Costa made his initial appearance Monday afternoon in Hilo District Court. Judge Jeffrey Hawk denied defense counsel’s request for a bail reduction, maintained Costa’s bail at $11,000.00, and ordered him to appear for his preliminary hearing today September 1st. Costa has since posted Bail.

The investigation was handled by Officer Chester Franco, South Hilo Patrol, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Hashizaki.

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 in East Hawai‘i or (808) 329-8181 in West Hawai‘i.