A Hilo man and a Puna woman — both felons who can’t legally possess firearms — are accused in separate incidents of discharging firearms in residential areas.
Mitchell Wailani Jr., 62, of Hilo is charged with having fired gunshots Sunday on Kalanikoa Street in Hilo.
According to county Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen, Wailani when arrested was in possession of a short-barreled AR-15 rifle, another AR-15 and a 9 mm pistol, as well as 9 mm and .223 caliber ammunition.
Wailani was charged with second-degree reckless endangering, three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition, possessing a rifle with a barrel less than 16 inches, and three counts of having parts used to assemble a ghost gun — a firearm with no serial number.
Wailani made his initial appearance Tuesday in Hilo District Court. His bail was maintained at $33,500, and he was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing Friday.
And 31-year-old Amber McAtee of Pahoa is charged with having fired a gunshot during a sibling dispute in Nanawale Estates subdivision.
McAtee was charged with second-degree reckless endangering, first-degree terroristic threatening, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. McAtee appeared Thursday in Hilo District Court. Her bail was maintained at $40,000, and she was ordered to appear Monday for a preliminary hearing.