40-year-old George Foote, Jr. of Puna was arrested and charged in relation to a recent incident at a Hawaiian Beaches subdivision residence.

According to police, Foote entered the residence and threatened to burn the structure. Following the execution of a search warrant, he was placed under arrest. Officers recovered twelve beer bottles containing what appeared to be a flammable liquid and a green torch tank.

On Monday, Foote made his initial Hilo District Court appearance where his bail was maintained at $220,000 and examination as to Foote’s fitness and penal responsibility was ordered.

A further hearing is set for March 10, 2026.

As the Complaint alleges, Foote is charged with Burglary in the First Degree, Unauthorized Entry Into a Dwelling in the First Degree, and Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree. Burglary in the First Degree and Unauthorized Entry Into a Dwelling in the First Degree are both class B felony offenses and carry a penalty of either a ten-year prison term or four years probation and up to eighteen months in jail. Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree is a class C felony offense and carries a penalty of either a five-year prison term or four years probation and up to twelve months in jail.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Dwane Tegman.

 

HPD Photo