Detectives have arrested and charged the suspect of a shooting that left a 39-year-old Hilo man dead.
Detectives have arrested and charged the suspect of a shooting that left a 39-year-old Hilo man dead.
At 10:15 a.m. Saturday, detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section and officers from the Special Enforcement Unit found 34-year-old Kalani Lono Kaohimaunu in the Kalapana area and arrested him without incident on suspicion of second-degree murder. He was charged at 6 p.m. Sunday with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, ownership of a firearm prohibited and place to keep a firearm, according to Hawaii Police Department. His bail was set at $1 million. He remains in custody pending his initial court appearance scheduled for today.
Charity Kumia, 52, of Keaau, who was arrested with him on unrelated charges, remains in custody pending further investigation.
Detectives have also recovered a dark blue Honda four-door sedan.
Kaohimaunu’s arrest stems from a shooting that was reported on the 100 block of West Kawailani Street on Thanksgiving night. Responding South Hilo Patrol officers found an unresponsive man outside the residence with apparent gunshot wounds. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots at the residence and told police a car fled the scene.
The victim, 39-year-old Keola Penovaroff of Hilo, was pronounced dead at Hilo Medical Center. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday to determine the exact cause of death.
Police continue to ask that anyone who may have witnessed the shooting call Detective Todd Pataray at 961-2382 or email him at todd.pataray@hawaiicounty.gov.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300.