Kailua-Kona man arrested for vehicle break-in

A 26-year-old Kailua-Kona man is facing several charges stemming from a vehicle break-in Tuesday evening in Hilo.

Around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, South Hilo Patrol officers responded to the parking lot area of the old Hilo Hotel on Kinoole Street for a theft report, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

Upon making contact with the victim, he informed officers that he had parked his vehicle near the Puna Canoe Club Hale along Hilo Bayfront. When he returned to his vehicle several hours later after paddling, he noticed that his vehicle had been broken into and various items were taken, police said.

Using electronic means, the victim was able to track his items to the area of the old Hilo Hotel where he had located a man identified as Alton Willis on a moped and in possession of his items, according to police.

Willis was arrested and transported to the Hilo Police Station. His moped was recovered as evidence and towed to the police station. Police said the victim’s stolen items were also recovered from the suspect.

After conferring with prosecutors, Willis was charged with first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle and unauthorized possession of personal confidential information. Bail was set at $4,000.

Police remind residents to be vigilant, always secure their vehicles, and do not leave items of value in them. The public is also encourgaed to report all suspicious activity to the department’s nonemergency number at (808) 935-3311.