Kaʻū News Briefs Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023

    "With the promotions of more than 300 career officers still in limbo, this crisis is far from over. While Republicans sow chaos at the expense of our troops, Senate Democrats will continue working to strengthen our national security and support the brave men and women of our Armed Forces."
    In March, when Tuberville first began his hold on numerous military officer promotions, Hirono delivered remarks on the Senate floor to speak out against his decision. In May, she joined Senators Richard Blumenthal, Tammy Duckworth and Michael Bennet in asking for unanimous consent on the Senate floor to confirm the military nominations that were being blocked by Senate Republicans, led by Tuberville. She also delivered remarks on the Senator floor to condemn Tuberville's ongoing hold, which was impacting nearly 200 military officer promotions. In July, Senator Hirono led seven of her Democratic colleagues on the Committee in calling on Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to help end Tuberville's hold on more than 260 military promotions.

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JONAH FARMER OF OCEAN VIEW HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER, robbery, and auto theft, stemming from a shooting incident that occurred in Ocean View on Tuesday morning, Sept. 19. Detectives with the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area II Criminal Investigation Section arrested the 26-year-old.
    Responding to a shooting on Aloha Blvd reported around 5:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Ka‘ū patrol officers made contact with a 43-year-old male victim, also from Ocean View.
    The victim reported that while sleeping in a tent on his property he was approached by an unidentified female asking for assistance with her vehicle. While walking to assist woman, an unknown man, later identified as Jonah Farmer, assaulted him with an unspecified weapon, resulting in injuries to his neck and

Jonah Farmer of Ocean View has been arrested for attempted murder, auto theft and more. Photo from HPD

head. A short struggle ensued and the male victim was subsequently shot in his upper right thigh, prompting him to flee to a neighboring residence for help.
    The victim told police that he believed that the suspect's intention was to rob him. He also reported that his 2022 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck was stolen during the incident. An all-points bulletin was disseminated to officers for the vehicle.
    Having received substantial injuries, the victim was transported to Kona Community Hospital for treatment and was later released.
    Later on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m., Kona patrol officers were conducting area checks in Kailua-Kona when they observed Farmer operating a 2019 Kia Soul. Shortly thereafter, he was contacted by officers and subsequently arrested without incident for the following offenses: Second-degree attempted murder; First-degree robbery; First-degree burglary; Second-degree assault; Unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle (auto theft); and First-degree theft.
    Area II CIS detectives recovered the Kia Soul and a search warrant is pending. Farmer remains in police custody as detectives continue their investigation.
    Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Detective Donovan Kohara, via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov, via telephone at (808) 960-3118 or the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.
    Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

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Bailee Powers

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY KELDEN WALTJEN has announced arresting and charging 26 year-old Bailee Powers, of Volcano in relation to the theft of a Honda Civic that was originally reported stolen on Sept. 7 from the parking area along the shoulder of the intersection of Komohana Street and Puainako extension in Hilo.
    Powers was scheduled to make her initial appearance on Wednesday in Hilo District Court. She remained in custody in lieu of $35,000 bail. As the Complaint alleges, Powers faces charges of Theft in the First Degree (obtained or exerted unauthorized control over another person’s motor vehicle, a Honda automobile) and Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree. The more serious offense, Theft in the First Degree, is a class B felony offense which carries a penalty of either a ten-year prison term or four years probation and up to 18 months in jail.

   The Prosecuting Attorney noted that charges are merely allegations and the Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
    The theft case was initiated by Officer Danton Zimmerman, South Hilo Patrol. The arrest was made by Officer Devin Ah Chong, Puna Patrol, and the felony investigation was led by Officer Jayce Carvalho, Special Enforcement Unit, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Soong.
 The statement from Office of the Prosecuting Attorney said the team "remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. #hawaiiprosecutors #hawaiipolicedepartment."