Hawai’i Island police have charged 52-year-old Duncan Mahi, with two counts each of kidnapping, terroristic threatening in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, and one count each of methamphetamine trafficking and sexual assault in the first degree following an incident that began at Anaeho`omalu Bay in Waikoloa, Hawai’i on Friday afternoon, September 16, 2022. His bail has been set at $2 million.
The incident stems from a reported abduction on Friday afternoon, September 16, 2022, at Anaeho`omalu Bay in Waikoloa, Hawaii. A call to 911 came in of Robbery/abduction at knifepoint around 3:28 pm of a local male bareback wielding a knife.
One victim was reportedly tied up while the other was taken with the assailant. The assailant also took both victims’ cell phones. The cell phones were later pinged and leads were followed to no assistance in finding the missing victim. K9 Units as well as mobile and air units were dispatched to aid in the search for the abducted victim described as a 15-year-old girl. The first BOLO was aired at 5:21 with the event triggering a MAILE AMBER Alert released around 7 pm and the response of multiple local, state, and federal agencies participating in the search.
A police information release stated the victim may be in the company of a local male described as being approximately 45-60 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall with an average build, and bareback wearing gray shorts.
On Saturday afternoon, September 17, 2022, the survivor was able to free herself from her captor with the assistance of several good samaritans. One being Big Islands local talent Bridge Hartman, a worker at Cafe Pestos in Hilo. Bystanders were able to get a description of the suspect and pictures of his vehicle. Leading to a townwide search with the help of social media.
An updated description of a local male in his 40ʻs with tattoos on both arms and a mustache driving a white Honda CRV was later released and the suspect was later identified as Duncan Kealoha Mahi of Hilo.
At around 3 pm Saturday afternoon, September 17, 2022, police were able to locate the suspect in the Hilo District and take him into custody.
Mahi remains in police custody and is scheduled for his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.
Community support as well as social media was a crucial aspect in assisting with the location of the abducted minor.
