Habitual property crime is alleged

Police arrested a 30-year-old Waianae woman for alleged habitual property crime at the Pali Longs/Safeway shopping center.

Police said the woman was caught stealing more than $200 in merchandise Wednesday at about 3 p.m. Investigating officers learned she had three convictions for theft in the last five years and arrested her on the more serious felony charge.

Lawmakers passed a bill creating the habitual property crime offense in 2004. Under the law, any person accused of misdemeanor property crime who has three felony or misdemeanor property crime convictions in the previous five years must serve at least a year in prison if convicted. Habitual property crime is punishable by up to five years in prison.

The woman was released pending investigation.

Man is charged in house intrusion

Honolulu police arrested a "highly intoxicated" man who allegedly entered the Kalihi home of a 54-year-old woman on Stanley Street and refused to leave Wednesday night.

Police arrested the man for unauthorized entry into a dwelling. Police believe the man is about 25 years old. He refused to provide officers with any information about his identity. 

Gossip is called instigator in assault

A 34-year-old Makaha woman, apparently angry over a gossiping neighbor, allegedly broke into the apartment of a 50-year-old woman and punched her several times, police said.

The Ala Mahiku Street incident was reported at about 2:50 p.m. Wednesday. Police said the suspect was angry because she believed the victim was spreading "malicious lies about her behavior." The Makaha woman was arrested for alleged first-degree burglary.