HILO, Hawaii (KHON2) — Big Island police have arrested and charged a man with theft charges related to an incident in which a counterfeit $100 bill was presented to purchase merchandise at a local business on Kamehameha Avenue.
The incident happened on May 13 when an employee contacted police to report the attempt, having noticed the bill appeared to be counterfeit.
When police arrived at the establishment, the employee identified the man, who was later identified as William Kaipo, Jr. of Hilo.
Kaipo, Jr. was arrested in the vehicle that he reportedly arrived at the establishment in. When police executed a search warrant on the vehicle, they recovered: numerous counterfeit $100 bills, numerous legitimate $1 bills, numerous “washed” bills, instructions on producing counterfeit currency, instructions on how to wash the currency, a color printer, an ultraviolet counterfeit detection device and counterfeit detection pens.
“The investigation revealed that Kaipo Jr. was a significant figure in the distribution and utilization of counterfeit currency being passed into our community’s circulation. Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and should be aware that there may still be counterfeit bills circulating in the community.”
Kaipo, Jr. has been charged with four counts of first-degree theft and fourth-degree theft. He made his initial appearance on May 15. His bail has been set at $35,000.