Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 40 year-old Louie Pira of Puna was arrested and charged after police responded to reports of gunshots on June 30, 2024 outside of a residence located on 29th Avenue in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision in Puna.
According to a witness, there were 4 adults and 4 juveniles, one being an infant in the house at the time of the incident. A video upload and letter removed showed what appeared as where one of the fired rounds entered the home through an exterior wall and continued through a door where the bullet came to rest lodged in an interior wall.
Pira made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Wednesday afternoon. His bail was maintained at $90,000.00 and he was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on July 8, 2024.
As the Complaint alleges, Pira is charged with eight counts of Reckless Endangering in the First Degree (intentionally fired a firearm in a manner which recklessly placed another person in danger of death or serious bodily injury), five counts of Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree, and a single count each of Place to Keep Pistol or Revolver and Criminal Property Damage in the First Degree (intentionally and/or knowingly damaged property, a residence, and recklessly placed another person in
danger or death or bodily injury).
The most serious offenses, Place to Keep Pistol or Revolver and Criminal Property Damage in the First Degree, are both class B felony offenses which carry a penalty of either a ten-year prison term or four years probation and up 18 months in jail. Reckless Endangering in the First Degree and Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree are both class C felony offenses which carry a penalty of either a five year prison term or four years probation and up to twelve months in jail.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was initiated by Puna Patrol and felony investigation was led by Detective Chris Jelsma, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kirsten Selvig.
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.