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WAILUKU -- A man was arrested for allegedly going to a Haiku residence three times within a week, entering the home without permission and stealing property, police said.
Kahelekuahiwi Paleka, 41, of Haiku was charged with first-degree burglary, two counts of fourth-degree theft and second-degree unauthorized entry into a dwelling.
During Paleka's initial appearance Tuesday in Wailuku District Court, Deputy Public Defender Andres Tobar asked for bail to be reduced to a more reasonable amount for Paleka, who is self-employed.
Deputy Prosecutor Jeffery Temas asked for bail to remain at $10,000 for Paleka. His convictions increased to 21 on Monday, when he was convicted of three counts of contempt of court, Temas said.
He said Paleka also has convictions for two counts of abuse, two counts of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, driving while his license was suspended and failure to appear.
Paleka allegedly first went into the residence on Lilikoi Road at about 9 p.m. April 4 and stole two welders before leaving in a vehicle after he was confronted by the homeowner, according to a declaration filed in court to support the charges.
"The next day, he boldly goes where few others would go, which is back on the property with a machete in hand and he's stealing more property from the driveway and yard," Temas said.
Paleka tried to confront the resident about a cellphone Paleka had dropped in the living room before the resident called police and Paleka ran, leaving behind his vehicle, according to the declaration.
Paleka returned four days later on Saturday and was inside the house when the homeowner, "out of fear, locks himself in his own bedroom," Temas said.
"This defendant is alleged to be pounding away at the door to try to make contact," Temas said.
He said Paleka ran when police arrived.
Police arrested him Sunday morning after finding him in his vehicle on Nanihoku Place in Haiku.
Tobar said Paleka would be denying the allegations.
Judge Chris Dunn kept bail at $10,000, citing the seriousness of the allegations and Paleka's multiple prior convictions. He was ordered to stay away from the homeowner and the residence.
* Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.