Media release by Hawaii County Police

Sean Ivan Masa Matsumoto charged

Detectives have charged a 34-year-old Hilo man for several offenses stemming from the shooting deaths of two Hilo women.

This evening (February 13) at 6:30 pm, after conferring with prosecutors, Sean Ivan Masa Matsumoto, was charged for first degree murder, two counts of second degree murder, three counts of use of a firearm in commission of a separate felony, and first degree reckless endangering. Matsumoto is being held without bail in the police cellblock pending his initial court appearance tomorrow (February 14).

Police have identified both victims as 74-year-old Elaine Ahu, of Hilo and her 45-year-old daughter Rhonda Lynn Alohalani Ahu, also of Hilo.

Autopsies on both victims are scheduled for Friday (February 15) to determine the exact cause of death.

Police ask that anyone with information on this case to call Detective Ernest Matsumoto at 961-2379 or email at ematsumoto@co.hawaii.hi.us or Detective Joel Field at 961-2381 or email at jfield@co.hawaii.hi.us

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.