(Update) Police Charge Puna Man Following Weapons Incident in Mountain View

Hawai‘i Island police have charged 38-year-old Michael Gardner of Mountain View with an array of weapons offenses following a firearms investigation in Puna that involved significant public safety concerns.

After conferring with the Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Gardner was charged with:

• Two counts of place to keep: loaded firearm other than pistol or revolver
• Two counts of place to keep: pistols or revolvers
• Four counts of carrying or possessing a loaded firearm on public highways
• Place to keep ammunition

Gardner’s total bail was set at $241,000.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Thursday, May 21, 2026, when officers responded to the 18-4100 block of Hinuhinu Street in Mountain View following information received indicating Gardner was experiencing suicidal and homicidal thoughts while reportedly in possession of multiple firearms.

Upon officers’ arrival, Gardner fled the area in a vehicle, which was later located on a nearby dead-end roadway. Officers established a perimeter around the area while Hawai‘i Police Department’s Special Response Team responded to assist in locating Gardner and safely resolving the situation.

At approximately 6:48 p.m., Gardner was located and arrested without incident.

As a result of the investigation, police recovered multiple loaded firearms, a substantial amount of ammunition, and a ballistic vest. The recovery of these items further underscored the significant public safety concerns officers faced during this incident.

Police ask for anyone with information relative to this incident to contact Detective Amy Omaya of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, at (808) 961-2381 or via email at Amy.Omaya@hawaiipolice.gov.