Hilo man charged with copper theft

A 24-year-old Hilo man is being charged with theft of copper in connection with two incidents last June, police said.

The 52-year-old victim reported that 128 pounds of copper pipe were removed from his warehouse in the Panaewa area of Hilo on June 23 and 25. Investigation revealed that Greg Makaala Hiroshi Branco recycled the copper, valued at $194, without the owner’s permission.

Branco was arrested Saturday and charged Monday with copper theft. His bail was set at $2,000.

He also was charged Saturday on an unrelated bench warrant for failure to appear. Bail for that offense was set at $150.

He remained at the cellblock until his initial court appearance scheduled for Monday.