County of Hawai'i Office of the Prosecuting Attorney

County of Hawai'i Office of the Prosecuting Attorney The official page of County of Hawai'i Office of the Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney is the legal agency responsible for prosecuting all violations of State and County laws, ordinances, rules, and/or regulations on behalf of the Hawai'i Island community as provided by Hawai‘i County Charter Article IX: Chapter 28; H.R.S. 28-1.

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 35-year-old Joshua Delmar Randall of Puna was arrested and charged af...
10/07/2026

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 35-year-old Joshua Delmar Randall of Puna was arrested and charged after police officers responded to a welfare check for a male party, later determined to be Randall, passed out while in the driver’s seat of a Geo Metro two-door sedan near the intersection of Ainaloa Boulevard and Stardust Drive. According to police reports, officers’ observed smoke emitting from the vehicle’s engine bay. Randall later provided a breath sample indicating a breath alcohol content of 0.223.

Randall made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Monday afternoon. Randall’s request for supervised release was denied and his bail was maintained at $51,000. Randall was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on October 8, 2026.

As the Complaint alleges, Randall is charged with Habitually Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant (“OVUII”), Driving While License Suspended or Revoked, Consuming or Possessing Intoxicating Liquor While Operating a Motor Vehicle, and No No-Fault Insurance.

If convicted as charged, Habitual OVUII, is a class B felony offense which carries a penalty of either a ten-year prison term or five years probation and up to eighteen months in jail. Prosecutors have also alleged that Randall was a “highly intoxicated driver,” in that his measurable amount of alcohol was 0.15 or more grams of alcohol per two hundred ten liters of breath thereby elevating the offense from a class C to a class B felony offense

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The arrest and impaired driving investigation was led by Officers Len Olivar, Jr. and Cody Correia, Puna Patrol, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Lester.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist law enforcement should contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

Mahalo to all who attended the 38th Annual Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil, “Wings of Resilience,” at the Hilo Count...
10/07/2026

Mahalo to all who attended the 38th Annual Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil, “Wings of Resilience,” at the Hilo County Building Atrium last Friday. The Vigil included a candlelight ceremony, guest presenters, community resources, light refreshments, and culminated with the presentation of the Purple Ribbon Awards,.

The Purple Ribbon Awards honor those who have made significant contributions through their advocacy, direct service, education, or innovative programs aimed at creating safer homes and communities. Their tireless work often goes unnoticed, and these awards provide a platform to highlight their impact while inspiring others.

Congratulations to Purple Award winners, Christine Fliniau (individual winner) and the East Hawai‘i Victim Assistance Unit with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney (group winner).

Mahalo to the East Hawai‘i Family Violence Interagency Committee, Office of the Mayor, Office of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Crime Prevention Unit, Police Chaplain Kat Konanui, Mark Carvalho, and all of the sponsors, and volunteers who made this special event possible.

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 54-year-old Jill Dunston of Puna was arrested and charged in relation...
10/06/2026

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 54-year-old Jill Dunston of Puna was arrested and charged in relation to a domestic incident that occurred on September 30, 2026 at an Ainaloa subdivision residence. According to police reports, a 56-year-old man sustained four stab wounds during the incident.

Dunston made her initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Monday afternoon. Dunston’s request for supervised release was denied and her bail was maintained at $1,040,000. Dunston was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on October 7, 2026.

As the Complaint alleges, Dunston is charged with Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the Second Degree (intentionally or knowingly cause bodily injury to another person with a dangerous instrument, a knife), and Felony Abuse of a Family or Household Member (physically abuse a family or household member, and the physical abuse occurred in the presence of a minor under the age of fourteen).

Attempted Murder in the Second Degree carries a penalty of life in prison with the possibility of parole. Assault in the Second Degree and Felony Abuse of a Family or Household Member are both class C felony offenses and carry a maximum penalty of a five-year prison term.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case was initiated by Puna Patrol. The felony investigation was led by Detective Kupono Mata, Area I Juvenile Aide Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Woodrow Pengelly.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist law enforcement should contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 49-year-old Bryant Guevarra of Puna has been indicted by a Hilo grand...
10/03/2026

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 49-year-old Bryant Guevarra of Puna has been indicted by a Hilo grand jury in relation to a fi****ms incident that occurred on September 19, 2026 at the Hawaiian Paradise Park Community Center which resulted in the death of 41-year-old Jose Manuel Adame Romero.

Following his arrest, Guevarra made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on September 22, 2026. On Friday afternoon, Guevarra appeared in Hilo Circuit Court for his return on the Indictment warrant. His bail was maintained at $1,823,000. A jury trial is scheduled for February 8, 2027. Guevarra was also ordered to appear for a hearing on defense counsel’s motion for a bail reduction on October 26, 2026.

As the Indictment alleges, Guevarra is charged with Murder in the Second Degree, Carrying or Use of a Fi***rm in the Commission of a Separate Felony, Place to Keep Pistol or Revolver, Place to Keep Am******on, and Reckless Endangering in the First Degree. Murder in the Second Degree carries a penalty of life in prison with the possibility of parole. Carrying or Use of a Fi***rm in the Commission of a Separate Felony is a class A felony offense which carries a penalty of a twenty-year prison term.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case was initiated by Puna Patrol. The felony investigation was led by Detective Mike Matsumura, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Jeff Malate and Woodrow Pengelly.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist law enforcement should contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 49-year-old Bryant Scott Guevarra of Puna was arrested and charged in...
09/23/2026

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 49-year-old Bryant Scott Guevarra of Puna was arrested and charged in relation to a fi****ms incident that occurred on September 19, 2026 at the Hawaiian Paradise Park Community Center which resulted in the death of 41-year-old Jose Manuel Adame Romero.

Guevarra made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Tuesday afternoon. Guevarra’s request for supervised release was denied and his bail was maintained at $1,823,000. Guevarra was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on September 24, 2026.

As the Complaint alleges, Guevarra is charged with Murder in the Second Degree, Carrying or Use of a Fi***rm in the Commission of a Separate Felony, Place to Keep Pistol or Revolver, Place to Keep Am******on, and Reckless Endangering in the First Degree.

Murder in the Second Degree carries a penalty of life in prison with the possibility of parole. Carrying or Use of a Fi***rm in the Commission of a Separate Felony is a class A felony offense which carries a penalty of a twenty-year prison term.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case was initiated by Puna Patrol. The felony investigation was led by Detective Mike Matsumura, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Jeff Malate and Woodrow Pengelly.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist law enforcement should contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

Are you looking for a rewarding career? Want to make a difference in our community? Join our Criminal Investigations Uni...
09/17/2026

Are you looking for a rewarding career? Want to make a difference in our community? Join our Criminal Investigations Unit!!!

Our Office is seeking applicants for Investigator V (SR-24: $74,652.00 - $90,816.00 annually) and Investigator IV (SR-22: $66,324.00 - $80,736.00 annually) positions in our Hilo office location.

We have two (2) immediate permanent, full-time Investigator V vacanies and one (1) immediate temporary, full-time Investigator IV vacancy. Applicants may be eligible for an additional $3,000.00 recruitment incentive. Investigator IV and V positions are also provided an additional $600 monthly vehicle allowance. The job postings are on continuous recruitment.

An Investigator V conducts investigations of the most complex, confidential, and diverse criminal cases being considered and/or readied for court action and prosecution; obtains additional information, evidence, and facts to clarify or substantiate findings of law enforcement agencies; and performs other related duties as required.

An Investigator IV independently conducts complete investigations of felony and misdemeanor cases being considered and/or readied for prosecution; gathers supporting information, evidence, and facts to clarify and substantiate law enforcement agency’s findings; prepares reports; and performs other related duties as required.

To apply, please visit jobs.hawaiicounty.gov.

If you have any questions regarding any of our current vacancies, please contact our Office at (808) 961-0466.

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 43-year-old Conrad Keanini-Gomes of Puna was arrested and charged in ...
09/16/2026

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 43-year-old Conrad Keanini-Gomes of Puna was arrested and charged in relation to a residential fire that occurred in the early morning hours of September 13, 2026 at an Orchidland Estates property. According to police reports, Keanini-Gomes and his wife resided within the subject residence which was located upon the rear of a property owned by his father. The fire caused approximately $300,000 damage to the residence, $5,000 damage to a nearby vehicle, and endangered four individuals including two minor children. Later that same day, Keanini-Gomes was arrested at the Hilo International Airport.

Keanini-Gomes made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Tuesday afternoon. Keanini-Gomes’ bail was maintained at $100,000 and he was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on September 16, 2026.

As the Complaint alleges, Keanini-Gomes is charged with Arson in the First Degree, a class A felony offense which carries a penalty of a twenty-year prison term.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case was initiated by Puna Patrol. The arrest was made by Officer Krimsen Abilla, South Hilo Patrol. The arson investigation has handled by Battalion Chief, Fire Prevention Inspector Royd Henderson, Hawai‘i Fire Department. The felony investigation was led by Detective Robert Kamau, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ace Agee.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist law enforcement should contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

Welcome to three of the newest members of our Office of the Prosecuting Attorney ‘ohana, from left to right, Victim/Witn...
09/12/2026

Welcome to three of the newest members of our Office of the Prosecuting Attorney ‘ohana, from left to right, Victim/Witness Counselor Jasmin Respicio, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Amy Smith, and Law Clerk James Ferguson.

If you are interested in joining our Office ‘ohana or have any questions regarding any of our current vacancies, please contact us at (808) 961-0466.

Amanda Leonard, Coordinator of the Missing Child Center-Hawaiʻi (“MCCH”) and Statewide MAILE AMBER Alert, Department of ...
09/12/2026

Amanda Leonard, Coordinator of the Missing Child Center-Hawaiʻi (“MCCH”) and Statewide MAILE AMBER Alert, Department of the Attorney General, was selected by the Hawai‘i Police Department’s 105th Police Recruit Class members to provide the keynote address during their graduation ceremony on Wednesday.

As the MCCH Coordinator, Leonard oversees the statewide program and actively assists county, state, federal, and military law enforcement to locate, recover, and protect missing and abducted children. She also provides training on missing children response and awareness to police recruits across the state.

Fun fact: Leonard and Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen were classmates at the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

From left to right, Department of Human Services Assistant Program Administrator Florence Calderon, Prosecutor Waltjen, Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda, and Leonard.

Today, we honor and remember the innocent victims, first responders, emergency workers, military personnel, and civilian...
09/11/2026

Today, we honor and remember the innocent victims, first responders, emergency workers, military personnel, and civilians who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. These senseless acts of violence tore a hole in the hearts of many Americans, and the suffering of this tragedy still remains. Every year on this day, we remember the lives lost, the bravery of the heroes who served, and how we came together as one nation united in sorrow.

Address

655 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI
96720

Opening Hours

Monday 7:45am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:45am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:45am - 4:30pm
Thursday 7:45am - 4:30pm
Friday 7:45am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18089610466

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