Puna man charged after alleged possession of multiple firearms

MOUNTAIN VIEW (HawaiiNewsNow) – A Puna man is facing multiple weapons charges following a police investigation in Puna that raised public safety concerns.

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Michael Gardner, 38, was charged with multiple firearms offenses, including Place to keep: Loaded firearm other than pistol or revolver, Place to keep: Pistols or revolvers, Carrying or possessing a loaded firearm on public highways, and Place to keep ammunition.

On May 21, Hawaii Island police responded to the 18-4100 block of Hinuhinu Street following reports that Gardner was experiencing suicidal and homicidal thoughts and was allegedly in possession of multiple firearms.

Investigators said Gardner left the area in a vehicle as officers arrived. Police later located the vehicle on a nearby dead-end road, set up a perimeter, and called in the department’s Special Response Team.

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Gardner was found and arrested without incident at about 6:48 p.m., police said. During the investigation, officers recovered multiple loaded firearms, a large amount of ammunition, and a ballistic vest.

His bail was set at $241,000.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Amy Omaya at (808) 961-2381.

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