The crimes happened Monday evening. All three arrested are from Hilo.

The 18-year old remains in police custody while the investigation continues, but the 14-year-old boy was charged with eight counts of second-degree burglary and was released to his guardian and the 17-year-old boy was charged with eight counts of second-degree burglary and one count of second-degree attempted assault for trying to attack one of his co-conspirators after police confronted them. He was released to the custody of Family Court probation and later transported to a juvenile detention facility on O'ahu.

Police said the suspects forcefully entered each of the eight affected classrooms — two that are used for students with special needs — and removed computer monitors, laptop computers, a digital camera and additional computer equipment with a combined value of nearly $15,000. The damage from the forced entry exceeds $1,500, police said.

The crimes were discovered before 7 a.m. Tuesday when teachers arrived to prepare for classes.

Investigators found some of the stolen property in nearby bushes and were able to track the suspects' path of flight. They later found several more of the stolen items in the bushes on nearby Akolea Road. The investigation eventually led police to the three suspects who lived a few miles away from the school.