22-year-old K-One Howard, of Eva Beach, Oahu, has been arrested and charged with assault following a New Year’s Day incident in Hilo.

Hawaii Police report that on Sunday, January 1, 2023, shortly after 2:30 p.m., South Hilo patrol officers responded to the area of Lokahi Street in Hilo, after receiving numerous reports of an unconscious male on the ground who had been assaulted. The 21-year-old victim was transported via ambulance to the Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room in critical condition.

Responding officers quickly identified Howard as the suspect, who was then located nearby within his mother-in-law’s apartment on Lokahi Circle. He was arrested without incident.

Howard, along with the victim and several other males were reportedly drinking at Lokahi Park prior to the assault. During that time several of the males were involved in a verbal altercation. Witnesses stated that as the victim left, Howard followed him and then assaulted him by punching and kicking him numerous times. 

Due to the severity of the victim’s injuries, Area I Criminal Investigation Section detectives responded to the scene.

A search warrant was later executed on the apartment where Howard was arrested, and detectives recovered the clothing Howard was wearing during the assault.  

On Monday morning, January 2, Hawai’i County prosecutors charged Howard with second-degree assault. His bail was set at $10,000.

He remained in police custody pending his initial court appearance on Tuesday afternoon, January 3, in Hilo District Court.

The victim was released from Hilo Medical Center on Wednesday, January 4.  

Police ask anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact Detective Paul Mangus of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2383 or email Paul.Mangus@hawaiicounty.gov.