Pair accused of stealing car that picked them up hitchhiking

The cases of hitchhikers who allegedly stole a car while the driver was inside Pahoa 7-Eleven store buying food are now in Hilo Circuit Court.

Kauka Santiago, a 21-year-old Pahoa man, and Kawai Kahee, a 24-year-old Pahoa woman, were charged Monday by felony information complaint — a process where a judge examines the facts of the case as presented and decides whether there is probably cause to try the individual.

Santiago is charged with first-degree theft for allegedly stealing the white Nissan Versa, unauthorized control of a stolen vehicle, methamphetamine possession and habitual property crime.

Kahee is charged with first-degree theft, unauthorized control of a stolen vehicle and methamphetamine possession.

The first-degree theft charge is a Class B felony that carries a potential 10-year prison term upon conviction. The other offenses are all Class C felonies that carry a potential five-year prison sentence.

According to court documents filed by police, the complainant told police he was driving his girlfriend’s Nissan Versa with her permission on May 7 when he picked up Santiago and Kahee hitchhiking and drove them to the convenience store in Pahoa. Documents state the man left the keys inside the vehicle and the car running, and saw the car leave as he was paying for his purchase at about 8 p.m.

An officer spotted the car, which had been reported stolen, the following morning in the driveway of a Malama Street home in the Leilani Estates subdivision. Both were arrested without incident.

Hilo District Judge David Harada-Stone maintained bail for Santiago at $55,000 and Kahee at $45,000 at their initial court appearances Monday. The information charges render moot preliminary hearings that were scheduled for both individuals.

Both Santiago and Kahee remained in custody Wednesday at Hawaii Community Correctional Center.

Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.