Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo man, 33 year-old Kekoa Nihipali, was charged with attempted robbery, terroristic threatening, and habitual property crime offenses in relation to a shoplifting incident that occurred on July 28, 2022 at the Hilo Walmart.

As the Complaint alleges, Nihipali was charged with six (6) offenses including Attempted Robbery in the First Degree (in the course of committing theft with a dangerous instrument, an X-Acto knife, used force against another person, with intent to overcome another person’s physical resistance and/or physical power of resistance and/or threatened imminent use of force against another person with intent to compel acquiescence to the taking of or escaping with the property) Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree (with the use of a dangerous instrument, an X-Acto knife), Habitual Property Crime, Theft in the Fourth Degree/Shoplifting, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any amount of hydrocodone), and Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree. The most serious offense, Attempted Robbery in the First Degree, is a class A felony offense which carries a penalty of a twenty (20) year prison term.

Nihipali is scheduled to make his initial appearance on Monday afternoon in Hilo District Court. Nihipali remains in custody in lieu of $82,000.00 bail.

The investigation was handled by Officers Sy Keltner and Collin Roberts, South Hilo Patrol, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Heipua Ahloy.

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.