Hawaii Island police have arrested and charged 36-year-old Curtiss Akoni Nihipali, of no permanent address, for an array of offenses, including kidnapping, assault, terroristic threatening, firearms and drug charges.
Hawaii Island police have arrested and charged 36-year-old Curtiss Akoni Nihipali, of no permanent address, for an array of offenses, including kidnapping, assault, terroristic threatening, firearms and drug charges.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Sunday near Kapoho Kumukahi Lighthouse Road in Pahoa.
Nihipali threatened the 43-year-old male victim while armed with a firearm, and intentionally discharged the firearm near the victim, according to police.
Nihipali then allegedly forced the victim at gunpoint to a remote location near the initial scene, and physically assaulted the victim. The victim was then able to flee the area on foot and contact police.
Puna patrol officers conducted a search and located Nihipali hiding in the vicinity and placed him under arrest. The victim was transported to the Hilo Medical Center for treatment for nonlife-threatening injuries and later released.
Nihipali’s bail was set at $191,000, and he had his initial court appearance Tuesday.
