(BIVN) – Two men face possible enhanced criminal penalties for their alleged crimes during the Hurricane Lala emergency period.
34-year-old Jason Pagan of Puna who was arrested and charged for an attempted car theft occurred on August 15th within the parking lot of the Puna Kai Shopping Center in Pahoa. Police say Pagan entered, started, and reversed an Infiniti G35 before being removed from the vehicle by the owner. Pagan fled the scene and was apprehended a short time later by police.
58-year-old Andrew Luna of Hilo who was arrested and charged in relation to two incidents. On August 17th, police say Luna entered a neighbor’s home on Pakele Street without permission, grabbed a 10-year-old female minor by the hair and dragged her down the stairs, and engaged in a physical struggle with another resident, before being chased off the property. Police say Luna had previously entered the ‘ohana unit of the same home without permission on August 13, 2026, as well. Luna was apprehended by police a short time after the August 17, 2026 incident.
Both men appeared in Hilo District Court on Wednesday. Bail was maintained in both cases and the suspects were ordered to appear for separate preliminary hearings on August 24th.
Prosecutors say Pagan is charged with Attempted Theft in the First Degree (theft of property, the value of which exceeded $300, during an emergency period), Attempted Theft in the First Degree (theft of a motor vehicle), and Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree. The Attempted Theft charge carries a maximum penalty of a ten-year prison term.
Prosecutors say Luna is charged with Burglary of a Dwelling During an Emergency Period, Burglary in the First Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, three counts of Unauthorized Entry in a Dwelling in the Second Degree, and two counts of Simple Trespass. The most serious offense, Burglary of a Dwelling During an Emergency Period, is a class A felony offense and carries a penalty of a twenty-year prison term.
“As a reminder, enhanced criminal penalties apply to certain crimes committed during a state of emergency declared by the Mayor or Governor, including burglary, theft, criminal property damage, robbery, and assault against an emergency worker,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen, commenting on both cases. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by Hurricane Lala. We are committed to working together with our partners at the County of Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i Police Department, and Civil Defense to keep our residents and community safe.”
