Coins cited as impetus
in Hilo shooting

2 quarters started a chain of
events that led to 2 arrests

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Associated Press

HILO >> A man trying to steal 50 cents from a coin-operated laundry led to the police shooting earlier this month on the Big Island, an attorney said.

Justin Aoki pleaded no contest to attempted theft Friday. He was charged with fourth-degree attempted theft for trying to steal two quarters from a Shipman Street laundromat.

Deputy Public Defender Martin Bento told District Judge John Moran that Aoki has admitted to trying to steal the money.

"He was trying to find change to make a phone call," Bento said.

Moran sentenced Aoki to the 10 days he served in jail since his arrest.

On April 17, police responded to a theft-in-progress call at the laundromat and spotted Aoki in a car near the business.

Wendell N. Tangaro, 28, who was sleeping in the back seat of the car, pushed Aoki out of the car and allegedly tried to run down Officer Joseph Botelho Jr.

The officer shot Tangaro, who was treated at Hilo Hospital for a gunshot wound to his upper left torso and subsequently arrested and charged with violating parole.

Deputy Prosecutor Jason Skier said the laundry owner did not seek restitution for the damage to his equipment.

The Hawaii County Police Department's internal affairs office is investigating the shooting.