KOLOA, Hawaii — On Thursday, County of Kauai Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Like announced 20-year-old Lopaka Santos-Dasalia of Koloa has been charged with two counts of Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree, and one count of Harassment via Grand Jury Indictment, for a bomb threat made against Koloa Elementary School on Sept. 26, according to a news release.
Santos-Dasalia’s bail is currently set for $100,000, and if convicted, faces up to a five-year imprisonment sentence.
“Our office continues to prioritize protecting the most vulnerable in our community,” said Like in the release. “Threats made against our children, or our schools will not be tolerated. Mahalo to the Kauai Police Department, Kauai Fire Department and American Medical Response, who cleared the area and assisted with the evacuation of the school.”
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney reminds the public that charges are merely allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
A Hanamaulu man was arrested on Monday after calling Koloa Elementary School administrators and threatening that a bomb would go off at the end of the school day, according to a Kauai Police Department news release. Police have identified the male suspect as 20-year-old Lopaka Santos.
The Kauai Police Department Bomb Squad, American Medical Response and Kauai Fire Department responded to the incident. No bombs or explosives were found, and no injuries were reported.
According to a preliminary police report, administrators at Koloa Elementary School received a call on Sept. 26 at 12:06 p.m. from an unidentified male who stated that a bomb would detonate after school.
Patrol Services Bureau staff arrived on the scene first and worked with school administrators to check for any devices in the area. They decided to evacuate the school with the assistance of KPD personnel.
A campus sweep revealed no devices, and officers cleared the school of threats. Evidence was found that led officers to identify, locate and arrest Santos Monday afternoon.
Police arrested Santos on suspicion of terroristic threatening in the first degree. He is being held at Lihue Headquarters as the investigation continues.
Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The original story has been updated to include information regarding the Grand Jury Indictment and quote from County of Kauai Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Like. (Oct. 1, 2022)