39 year-old Auston R. Aini of Kona was arrested and charged for an incident at the Black Lava Vape
Shop in Kona.

According to police reports, Aini is alleged to have pointed a pistol towards a store employee’s head while demanding she open the register, and removed
approximately $250.00 in U.S. currency as well as an unknown amount of money from within a clear tote labeled “Maui Donations”

Aini made his initial appearance in Kona District Court yesterday where his bail was
maintained at $323,000.00 and he was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on May 22.
As the Complaint alleges, Aini is charged with Robbery in the First Degree (in the course of
committing theft, was armed with a dangerous instrument, a firearm or a simulated firearm and threatened the imminent use of force against another person, with intent to compel acquiescence to the taking of or escaping with the property), Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree (firearm or simulated firearm), Ownership or Possession Prohibited, Carrying or Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Separate Felony, Place to Keep Pistol or Revolver, Terroristic Threatening in the Second Degree, and Theft in the Third Degree.
The most serious offenses, Robbery in the First Degree and Carrying or Use of a Firearm in the
Commission of a Separate Felony, are both class A felony offenses which carry a penalty of a twenty-year prison term.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chase Murray.

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney