Today, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo man, 31-year-old Nainoa Evans, was charged for burglary, assault, theft, and terroristic threatening in a domestic abuse incident on July 7th in Puna.

As the Complaint alleges, Evans was charged with Abuse of a Family or Household Member, Assault in the Third Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Terroristic Threatening in the Second Degree, and Theft in the Third Degree. Prosecutors also provided notice that Evans is a repeat offender based on his prior felony convictions for Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree and Forgery in the Second Degree. If convicted as charged of the Burglary in the First Degree offense, Evans faces a mandatory prison term.

Evans made his initial appearance today in Hilo District Court before Judge M. Kanani Laubach who maintained his bail at $37,010.00 and ordered him to appear for his preliminary hearing on July 13th at 2:00 p.m. in Hilo District Court.

The investigation was handled by Detective Richard Itliong, Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Suzanna Tiapula.

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.