Hilo man arrested for illegally selling fireworks

A 44-year-old Hilo man could be the first Hawaii Island resident to be charged with a fireworks offense.

Shaun Kahaunaele, also known as Shaun Legaspi, was arrested at 12:50 a.m. Tuesday after officers with the Hawaii Police Department's East Hawaii Vice Section executed a search warrant.

According to police, the search uncovered approximately 12 pounds of various flying devices, as well as fireworks, price lists, a ledger showing thousands of dollars in illegal fireworks sales and a small amount of marijuana concentrate.

Additionally, $15,000 in cash, believed to be profits from illegal fireworks sales, was seized for possible confiscation.

Kahaunaele was charged with selling fireworks without a license or permit, a Class C felony punishable by five years in prison upon conviction, and possession of fireworks without a license or permit, a misdemeanor.

Acting Lt. Kelly Moniz of the East Hawaii Vice Detachment said the amount of fireworks in Kahaunaele's possession was less than the 25 pounds required for a felony possession case, but “the evidence leads us to believe that it is.” “It was a distribution, and that’s why he did it.” He was charged with a crime.”

Moniz said the investigation and arrest of Kahaunaele was solely an HPD operation and not that of a statewide fireworks task force formed last year.

“The search warrant was based on a complaint from neighbors,” Moniz said.

Kahaunaele was released from police custody after posting $23,000 bail. His first appearance in Hilo District Court is scheduled for Nov. 12.

Asked whether more arrests were expected, Moniz said police were “still working on the investigation.”

The Hawaii Police Department advises residents that purchasing, possessing, storing, firing, igniting or discharging aircraft, fireworks or other pyrotechnic items without a valid pyrotechnic permit may result in a Class C felony.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Charrise Wakita at (808) 961-2249 or [email protected]. Those who prefer anonymity can call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

Email John Burnett at [email protected]