Kona man charged with damaging astronomy facility

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KAILUA-KONA — James Coleman, a 30-year-old resident of Kailua-Kona, was slapped with seven charges by Hawaii Island police Thursday after damaging an astronomy facility on Mauna Kea Tuesday morning.

KAILUA-KONA — James Coleman, a 30-year-old resident of Kailua-Kona, was slapped with seven charges by Hawaii Island police Thursday after damaging an astronomy facility on Mauna Kea Tuesday morning.

Police responded to a report of a traffic accident, which occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. Tuesday near Mauna Kea’s summit. It was reported that Coleman then tried to force his way in to a facility on the Mauna Kea Access Road.

Police confirmed that Coleman did make his way into the facility after employees had barricaded themselves inside. A ranger working for the Office of Mauna Kea Management stepped in to stop Coleman, who then attempted to ram the ranger’s vehicle.

Coleman’s charges are as follows: second-degree burglary, first-degree criminal property damage, attempted first-degree criminal property damage, two counts of second-degree criminal property damage and two counts of second-degree terroristic threatening.

Coleman is being held at Hilo police cellblock on $84,000 bail. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Friday.