Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo man, 36 year-old Curtis Nihipali was arrested and charged in connection with an assault, kidnapping, terroristic threatening, and firearms incident that occurred on June 12, 2022 in Puna.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred in the area of the Kapoho Kumukahi Lighthouse Road in Pahoa.
Nihipali threatened the 43-year-old male victim while armed with a firearm, and intentionally discharged the firearm near the victim. Nihipali then forced the victim at gunpoint to a remote location near the initial scene, and physically assaulted the victim. The victim was then able to flee the area on foot and contact police.
Searching the area, Puna patrol officers located Nihipali hiding in the vicinity and placed him under arrest. The victim was transported to the Hilo Medical Center for treatment for non-life threatening injuries and later released.
As the Complaint alleges, Nihipali, who has three (3) prior felony convictions for Robbery in the Second Degree, was charged with nine (9) offenses including two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, and a single count each of Kidnapping, Reckless Endangering in the First Degree, Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree, Ownership or Possession of Firearm Prohibited, Ownership or Possession of Ammunition Prohibited, Carrying or Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Separate Felony, and Promoting a Detrimental Drug in the Third Degree.
The most serious offense, Carrying or Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Separate Felony, is a class A felony punishably by a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years in prison. The second most serious offenses, Kidnapping and Ownership or Possession of Firearm and Ammunition Prohibited, are both class B felony offenses punishable by a maximum penalty of ten (10) years in prison.
Nihipali is scheduled to make his initial appearance on Tuesday afternoon in Hilo District Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $191,000.00 bail.
The preliminary investigation was handled by Officer Melvin Vargas, Puna Patrol, and the felony investigation was handled by Detective Casey Cabral, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Heipua Ah Loy.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.