A Hilo man faces serious charges following a discovery of illegal fireworks in his possession, as reported by West Hawaii Today. Shaun Kahaunaele, a 44-year-old resident, also known as Shaun Legaspi, is charged with one count of felony firework license or permit required and one count of misdemeanor firework license or permit required.
After executing a search warrant at approximately 12:50 p.m. on Tuesday, police found about 12 pounds of various illegal aerial fireworks at Kahaunaele's home. The recovered items comprised display fireworks, a ledger showing thousands of dollars in illegal firework sales, sales sheets and price lists, setting Kahaunaele up with a possible five-year prison sentence if convicted for the felony charge. Found during the search, according to Big Island Now, was also over $15,000 in cash believed to be profits from the illicit trade.
In addition, reports from West Hawaii Today convey that police seized a small amount of marijuana concentrate. Acting Lt. Kelly Moniz of the East Hawaii Vice Section conducted the investigation and affirmed that the search was prompted by a neighbor's complaint, rather than as a part of a statewide task force's efforts.
Bail for Kahaunaele was set at $23,000, and "The search warrant was because of a complaint by neighbors," Acting Lt. Kelly Moniz told West Hawaii Today. As Kahaunaele awaits his court appearance scheduled for Nov. 12, police are continuing their investigation, leaving open the possibility of additional arrests.
The Hawaii Police Department, as a reminder to island residents, stresses that dealing with aerial devices, display fireworks, or pyrotechnics without a valid permit constitutes a Class C felony. Detective Charrise Wakita is the point of contact for anyone possessing information on the case, as indicated by both media outlets in their reports.
