MEDIA RELEASE
A 33-year-old man faces the enhanced offense of burglary of a dwelling during an emergency declaration for a break-in in the NÄnÄwale Estates subdivision in Puna.
On October 19, someone made unlawful entry into a house on Kehau Road and removed various items, including a car. Police identified the suspect as Blaine Faris III of Honomū.
He was arrested Thursday (October 30) and charged with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and burglary of a dwelling during an emergency declaration, which enhances the burglary from a B felony to an A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison with no possibility of probation. His bail was set at $60,000. He was held at the Hilo police cellblock until his initial court appearance on Friday (October 31).
On September 4, Mayor Billy Kenoi proclaimed a state of emergency for the Puna District under Act 111 of the 2014 Hawai‘i State Legislature. As a result, the classifications of certain crimes are elevated while the emergency proclamation is in effect.
