This morning Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Pepe’ekeo man, 35-year-old Glen Phillips-Panui was charged over the weekend on charges related to Ghost Gun(s) and bail set at $20,000.00. Phillips-Panui was scheduled to make his initial appearance today in Hilo District Court.

As the Complaint alleges, Phillips-Panui was charged with Ownership or Possession Prohibited and Manufacturing, Purchasing, or Obtaining Firearm Parts to Assemble a Firearm With No Serial Number. The Complaint further alleges that Phillips-Panui is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition as he has a pending felony matter before the Circuit Court. A review of court records indicates that Phillips-Panui is also pending felony charges for possession of firearms and dangerous drug offenses in that unrelated Circuit Court matter.

In Court, an oral motion by defense Public Defender Jonas Krave was made for supervised release or bail reduction; Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Son (in place of Kimberly Angay) representing the state Objected, Judge Jeffrey Hawk denied the Defences request and ruled the court found Probable cause from a JDPC by Judge Laubach, for further detention. Bail maintained and Phillips-Panui remains in custody in lieu of $20,000.00 bail until his next court date on July 28, 2021, at 02:00 PM

The investigation was handled by the Hawai‘i Police Department South Hilo Patrol, along with assistance from HPD Area I VICE and State of Hawai’i Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kimberly Angay.

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.