MEDIA RELEASE

Ethan Legaspi

Hawaiʻi Island police have arrested three men suspected of committing a residential burglary in Hilo.

On Thursday (April 3), South Hilo Patrol officers, along with investigators from the Special Enforcement Unit and the Area I Juvenile Aid Section, responded to a 12:15 p.m. report from a neighbor of an active burglary occurring at a Likeke Street home where two men fled the residence on foot. Patrol officers, assisted by detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section, determined that the suspects forcefully entered the house and removed jewelry, cash and a smart tablet having a total estimated value of $6,675.

At 1:10 p.m. Thursday, police arrested 23 year-old Ethan Legaspi of Hilo in connection with this burglary after responding officers located him on Laula Road. Through their continued investigation, Special Enforcement Unit officers identified the two other men suspected to have been involved in this incident.

Kawika Larinaga-Napihaa

At 5:10 p.m. on Friday (April 4) police arrested 23-year-old Kawika Larinaga-Napihaa of Hilo on suspicion of burglary and on an outstanding bench warrant for criminal contempt of court. Another Hilo resident, 23-year-old Noah Simeona, was arrested in connection with this incident at 7 p.m. Friday.

After consulting with prosecutors, police charged Legaspi on Friday afternoon with one count of burglary and one count of theft. His bail was set at $26,000.On Saturday evening (April 5), police charged Larinaga-Napihaa with one count of burglary. His bail was set at $25,000. Larinaga-Napihaa was also being held in lieu of $750 bail for his bench warrant. Both were held at the Hilo police cellblock pending their initial court appearance Monday afternoon (April 7).

Simeona was released from custody late Friday evening pending further investigation.

Police remind the public to remain vigilant in securing the windows and doors to their homes and businesses. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity by calling the Police Department’s non-emergency number at 935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide number for Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.