Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that three individuals, 24-year-old Krislyn Ka‘ohinani Kauikeolani Chaves Palama of Hilo, 33-year-old Duston James Dominic Kealoha Bishop of Hilo, and 32-year-old Jan Loren Bacsa Aguinaldo of Papaikou were arrested and charged in connection to an agriculture theft incident which occurred on June 9, 2022, at a Hilo farm.
The charges stem from an incident on Thursday, June 9, 2022, when a DLNR DOCARE officer reported observing four individuals crossing the Wailuku River above Rainbow Falls each carrying a large bag on their backs. Upon police contact, one of the individuals fled the area. A large amount of lychee fruit was observed within a vehicle where the individuals were contacted and the owner of a nearby farm identified the fruit as coming from his orchards.
Investigators executed search warrants on the vehicle and the bags the individuals were seen carrying, which resulted in the recovery of more than 150 pounds of lychee fruit with an estimated value of more than $1,200.
As the Complaint alleges, all three individuals were charged with Theft in the Second Degree (obtain or exert unauthorized control over the property of another with intent to deprive the other of the property, agriculture commodities that are generally known to be marketed for commercial purposes, lychee) and Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree. The more serious offense, Theft in the Second Degree, is a class C felony offense and carries a maximum penalty of five (5) years in prison.
Both Palama and Aguinaldo remain in custody in lieu of $2,250.00 bail and are scheduled to make their initial appearance on Monday afternoon in Hilo District Court. Bishop was released after posting $2,250.00 bail. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance later this month.
The case was a coordinated effort between members of the State of Hawai‘i Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement and members of the Hawai‘i Police Department’s South Hilo Patrol and Community Policing Divisions. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Suzanna Tiapula.
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.
