Hawaiʻi Police Department
Criminal Investigations Section, Area I
Lieutenant Gregory Esteban
Phone: 961-2252
Report No. C15034660
Media Release
At 6 p.m. Sunday (November 29), 34-year-old Kalani Lono Kaohimaunu was charged with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, ownership of a firearm prohibited and place to keep a firearm. His bail was set at $1 million. He remains in custody pending his initial court appearance scheduled for Monday (November 30).
Fifty-two-year-old Charity Kumia of Keaʻau, who was arrested with him on unrelated charges, remains in custody pending further investigation.
Kaohimaunu’s arrest stems from a shooting that was reported on the 100 block of West Kawailani Street on Thanksgiving evening, (November 26). Responding South Hilo Patrol officers found an unresponsive man outside the residence with apparent gunshot wounds. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots at the residence and told police that a car fled the scene.
The victim was identified as 39-year-old Keola Penovaroff of Hilo and he was pronounced dead at Hilo Medical Center. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday to determine the exact cause of death.
Police continue to ask that anyone who may have witnessed the shooting call Detective Todd Pataray at 961-2382 or email him at todd.pataray@hawaiicounty.gov.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribed to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
