A 46-year-old Puna man, Kealiiwainue Mamala, is facing a multitude of charges including unlawful imprisonment, felony assault, abuse, and firearms offenses, according to Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen. The charges stem from incidents alleged to have occurred between November 2024 and March 2025.

Mamala is accused of a total of 25 offenses across two separate cases filed in both Hilo District and Circuit Courts. He is currently being held without bail in the Circuit Court matter and on $116,020.00 bail in the District Court matter.

In the District Court case, Mamala is charged with 14 offenses occurring between February 24, 2025, and March 3, 2025. These charges include Felony Abuse of Family or Household Member (causing bodily injury by impeding breathing or circulation by applying pressure to the throat or neck), Terroristic Threatening in the Second Degree, six counts of misdemeanor Abuse, two counts of Assault in the Second Degree (resulting in a ruptured eardrum and a broken nose), Assault in the Second Degree (using a dangerous instrument), two counts of misdemeanor Ownership or Possession of a Firearm Prohibited (Springfield Armory, model 1903 rifle and Snake Charmer .410 caliber pistol), and Ownership or Possession of Ammunition Prohibited.

The Circuit Court case involves 11 offenses alleged to have occurred between November 2024 and January 2025. These charges include Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree (knowingly restraining another person under circumstances exposing them to serious bodily injury), Terroristic Threatening in the Second Degree, petty misdemeanor Abuse, and eight counts of misdemeanor Abuse.

Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, and Felony Abuse are the most serious charges, all classified as Class C felonies. Conviction on these charges carries a potential penalty of either a five-year prison term or five years probation and up to twelve months in jail.

A hearing on the Prosecutors’ Motion to hold Mamala without bail is scheduled for March 7, 2025, at 1:30 pm.

Detective Kelsey Kobayashi of the Area I Juvenile Aide Section of the Hawai‘i Police Department led the felony investigation. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kirsten Selvig is prosecuting the case.

“The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” emphasized a statement from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney encourages anyone with information that may assist local law enforcement to contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. They reaffirm their dedication to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment.