Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced today that his office would be filing for a Motion to commit a Hilo man, 39-year-old Larry Kalei Kamali’i, Jr., without bail. Yesterday, Kamali’i was charged with the attempted murder of a police officer and felon in possession of a shotgun having an illegal barrel length.
The Motion argues that Kamali’i has been charged with a serious crime and there is a serious risk that he will flee, engage in further criminal behavior, and is a danger to the community.
As the Complaint alleges, Kamali’i, a repeat offender, who has six (6) prior felony convictions, including convictions for Carrying or Possessing a Loaded Firearm on a Public Highway and Place to Keep Pistol or Revolver, was charged with ten (10) offenses including, Attempted Murder in the First Degree (intentionally or knowingly cause the death of a law enforcement officer arising out of the performance of his official duties), Carrying or Use of Firearm in the Commission of a Separate Felony, Ownership or Possession Prohibited (felon in possession of firearm), two counts of Ownership or Possession Prohibited (felon in possession of ammunition), Ownership Prohibited (shotgun with barrel length of less than 18 inches), Place to Keep Loaded Firearm other than Pistol or Revolver, Carrying or Possessing a Loaded Firearm on a Public Highway, Attempted Assault Against a Law Enforcement Officer in the First Degree, and Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree (with the use of a dangerous instrument). If convicted as charged of the Attempted Murder offense,
Kamali’i was scheduled to make his initial appearance today in Hilo District Court. Hawaii Comunity Correctional Center advised the court the Kamalii refused to appear and the Kamalii instead appeared via Zoom. Deputy Public Defender Arthur Indiola first made an oral motion to withdraw as counsel due to a conflict of interest. The motion was granted by the courts. Attorney Ivan Van Leer has been accepted to be legal consul but was unable to appear today. An application for Extended Coverage was filed with No objection by State.
Kamaliʻi waived the reading of the charges and entered a “Not Guilty” plea. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia-Keltner motion’s to Commit Without Bail. DPD objected followed by a request for Supervised Release. The request for Supervised Release was denied and the State’s Motion to Commit Without Bail was granted. However, the judge added the courts will allow CAC Van Leer to argue for bail at Kamaliiʻs next court date. If convicted, Kamali’i faces a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.
The investigation was handled by Detective John Balberde, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia-Keltner.
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 in East Hawai‘i or (808) 329-8181 in West Hawai‘i.
