Today, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Puna couple, 39 year-old Justin Flores and 22 year-old Kawai Keiori Kahee, were charged in relation to a November 30th incident in Hawaiian Acres.
As the Complaint alleges, Flores, a repeat offender with prior felony convictions for Unauthorized Control of Propelled Vehicle and Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree, was charged with Unauthorized Control of Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree (operate and/or alter the identity of a Toyota truck without the owner’s consent), Ownership or Possession of Ammunition Prohibited (prior felony conviction), Place to Keep Ammunition, and Driving Without a License. His bail was set at $37,000.00. If convicted as charged, Flores faces sentencing to a mandatory prison term. Review of court records indicate that at the time of the alleged incident, Flores was out of custody pending revocation of his felony probation.
As the Complaint alleges, Kahee was charged with Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possession of any amount of methamphetamine) and Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia. Her bail was set at $2,000.00.
The couple is scheduled to make their initial appearance today in Hilo District Court.
The investigation was handled by Officer Christopher Fukumoto, Special Enforcement Unit, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ha’aheo Kaho’ohalahala.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendants are 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.
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