MOILIILI, Hawaii (KHON2) — Police said an arrest has been made in connection to a string of grave site thefts at the Moiliili Japanese Cemetery during the week of April 14.
Some said harsher punishments should be on the table for such crimes.
Moiliili’s area representative said the rash of vandalism and destruction at the Japanese Cemetery was a disturbing sight.
“Especially at something that’s so historic, like the Moiliili Japanese Cemetery. No, It’s a big thing,” Rep. Ikaika Olds said. “As a lawmaker, hopefully we can take a look at what exists and how do we strengthen the laws to help create deterrents to prevent this from happening?”
Certain misdemeanors can be elevated to felonies if the value exceeds a set threshold — $750 for theft and $1,500 for criminal property damage — but not desecration.
“It is just a misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail,” said legal expert Doug Chin. “Desecration occurs when you commit any sort of damage against something that’s like a place of worship or a place of burial. It is a misdemeanor no matter what.”
Honolulu police said a man was arrested in connection to the Moiliili crimes. The case is currently listed as theft but HPD said classifications can change during an investigation.
“Police could look at what the facts represent and then decide, ‘This could be an example of theft or it could be an example of criminal property damage and it could also be an example of desecration,’” Chin said.
There might be hope for Moiliili beyond future law changes. Sunset Memorial Park in Pearl City has dealt with theft and vandalism for years, and nonprofit president Larry Veray said he is putting city grant money to use by purchasing fencing and cameras to install around its perimeter.
“Once I get the fencing in the cameras and all that, now I get serious,” Veray said. “Now I will prosecute. And I’m going to set some examples for the ones that will not take the word. I also want to partner with Moiliili because my heart goes out to them, too.”
Honolulu police said their investigation led to the discovery of multiple urns from Moiliili, which were returned to the family.