Puna man charged with auto thefts

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A Puna man has been charged with offenses related to two stolen vehicles.

A Puna man has been charged with offenses related to two stolen vehicles.

On Aug. 8, a 2005 Toyota Tacoma was taken from Aheahe Street in Hilo. Police say they later recovered the truck on Kukuau Street in Hilo, where the suspect was spray-painting it.

On Aug. 30, a 2003 Ford Focus was taken from Hawaiian Beaches. The next day, the victim spotted someone driving his car in Orchidland.

Police arrested the driver, 28-year-old Kealiiokekai Kamanu of Pahoa, and took him to the Hilo police cellblock while police continued both investigations.

At 10:50 a.m. Wednesday, Kamanu was charged with two counts of driving a stolen vehicle.

His bail was set at $20,000 and his initial court appearance was Thursday.