Police charge three in ag theft investigation

Three people are facing theft and trespassing charges after state and county officers reportedly nabbed them making off with over 150 pounds of lychee from a Hilo farm.

The charges stem from an incident on Thursday when a Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officer observed four people crossing the Wailuku River above Rainbow Falls each carrying a large bag on their backs, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

When police approached, one of the individuals fled the area. A large amount of lychee fruit was observed within a vehicle where the individuals were contacted. The owner of a nearby farm identified the fruit as coming from his orchards, according to police.

A search of the vehicle and the bags the individuals were seen carrying resulted in the recovery of more than 150 pounds of lychee fruit with an estimated value of more than $1,200.

On Friday, officers charged 32-year-old Jan Loren Aguinaldo, 33-year-old Duston Bishop, and 24-year-old Krislyn Palama with one count each of second-degree criminal trespassing second-degree theft.

The theft of agricultural products that have a value exceeding $100 or which weigh more than 25 pounds is a felony offense. If convicted, the suspects could face up to five years behind bars, per state law.

Police also reminded agricultural vendors that a certificate of ownership and movement is required whenever purchasing large amounts of agricultural products. The following information must be included:

• Seller’s name, residence address, telephone number, and the license plate number of any vehicle used by the seller to deliver the commodity to the place of purchase;

• Name of the farm owner and address of origin;

• Name of the buyer or consignee, and destination; and

• Signature of the seller and, upon sale, the signature of the buyer or consignee.

• No prospective buyer or consignee shall purchase an agricultural commodity from a seller if the seller does not provide a copy of the ownership and movement certification and verification whenever required and shall report the attempted sale to the police.

“The theft of agricultural products is a growing problem that hurts the entire community by raising the cost of locally grown produce which can adversely affect our island’s food sustainability,” said Hilo Community Policing Officer Christopher Fukumoto.

Report suspected agricultural theft to the department’s nonemergency line at (808) 935-3311.