77-year-old Lowell Pofahl of Puna has been indicted on charges related to the attempted murder of his 77-year-old wife at their residence in the Nanawale Estates subdivision. The indictment, announced by Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen, stems from an alleged incident that occurred on November 22, 2024.

Pofahl made his initial appearance in Hilo Circuit Court on November 29, 2024, where prosecutors argued for a bail of $1,655,000. However, despite objections from the prosecution, the court reduced his bail to $1,000,000. He is scheduled for a return hearing on February 21, 2025, to review mental health examination reports.

The charges against Pofahl include Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree (for allegedly causing substantial bodily injury to a person aged 60 or older), Carrying or Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Separate Felony (involving a shotgun), and Abuse of a Family or Household Member.

Attempted Murder in the Second Degree carries a life sentence with the possibility of parole, while the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony is a Class A felony, carrying a potential 20-year prison term.

The investigation into the alleged crime was initiated by officers from the Puna Patrol, including Officers Shaneil Azevedo, Taylor Cruz, Rodney DeLima Jr., Craig Derasin, Clyde Domen III, and Tyson Ishibashi. The felony investigation was led by Officer Corey Kaneko of the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area I Juvenile Aid Section. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Kirsten Selvig and Woodrow Pengelly.

As with all criminal cases, the charges against Pofahl are merely allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains committed to the pursuit of justice, urging anyone with information that could assist law enforcement to contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.