A tense Sunday in Kalihi has turned into a full-blown attempted murder investigation, with Honolulu police arresting a 22-year-old man they say is tied to the case. Detectives allege the suspect faces attempted murder in the second degree along with multiple firearm-related counts, and officers say specialized units moved quickly through the neighborhood to track him down. The District 5 Crime Reduction Unit assisted with the arrest, while HPD’s CID Strategic Enforcement Detail has been assigned to carry the probe forward as prosecutors review the file.
HPD Details And Charges
Honolulu police identified the suspect only as a 22-year-old male and said he was booked on suspicion of attempted murder in the second degree, carrying or use of a firearm in the commission of a separate felony, and a place-to-keep-firearm count, according to a post by the Honolulu Police Department. The department added that officers from the District 5 Crime Reduction Unit helped locate and detain the suspect, and that detectives have assigned the case to the CID Strategic Enforcement Detail for follow-up. HPD’s post also noted that prosecutors with the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney will be asked to review the investigation and consider formal charges as the case develops.
Violence In Kalihi And Local Response
The arrest lands in the middle of a troubling stretch for Kalihi, where residents and law enforcement have been watching a rising tide of violent incidents, including shootings and stabbings. Earlier this month, a daylight stabbing outside the Pūnāwai Rest Stop led to another arrest and prompted stepped-up patrols in the area, as reported by Hoodline. HPD releases indicate the department has been sending crime reduction units into the neighborhood in recent weeks, aiming to disrupt violent groups, boost visibility and coax more tips from wary witnesses.
Charges And Potential Penalties
Under Hawaii law, attempted murder in the second degree is classified as a felony offense and can bring lengthy prison terms, according to Justia, which summarizes Hawaii Revised Statutes section 707-701.5. Carrying or using a firearm during the commission of another felony is treated as a separate crime and is punishable as a class A felony under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 134-21, as per Justia. Rules on where pistols and similar weapons must be stored appear under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 134-25, outlined by Aloha-IO. Together, those statutes allow prosecutors to pursue separate firearm enhancements on top of any underlying violent-crime counts, which can significantly raise the potential penalty if convictions are obtained…