HILO, Hawaiʻi – A 39-year-old Hilo man, Kunia Hassard, has been arrested and charged in connection with an arson incident that took place at Ace Auto Glass on Friday, July 25.
The following day, officers from the South Hilo Patrol located and arrested Hassard. He has since been charged with second-degree arson, a Class B felony, and habitual property crime, a Class C felony. The arson charge stems from a fire that caused over $1,500 in damages to the property.
If convicted, second-degree arson carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison or 4 years’ probation and 18 months in jail, while habitual property crime can result in 5 years in prison or 5 years’ probation and up to 12 months in jail.
However, Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen stated that prosecutors have given notice that if Hassard is convicted as charged, he will face a mandatory prison term and will not be eligible for probation.
As of now, Hassard remains in custody on $70,000 bail. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday afternoon in Hilo District Court.
The investigation was conducted by Officer Kinaʻole Hernandez and Sgt. Bryson Miyose of the South Hilo Patrol, and the case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Heipua Ah Loy.
Authorities remind the public that all charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
