The first day of a trial of a man charged with attempted murder for allegedly injuring a woman in a fight in Waikoloa last year began Tuesday.
Aaron Nakamoto, 34, Waikoloa, is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and disorderly conduct.
On the night of Oct. 12, 2014, Hanna Luepkes, Waikoloa, and Carly Ann Sugimoto, 23, Waikoloa, were eating at Pueo’s Osteria in Waikoloa.
“It’s nice, we’re having fun, enjoying our dinner,” Sugimoto said during questioning by deputy prosecuting attorney Kaua Jackson.
During her testimony Sugimoto said Nakamoto gestured at the two of them and told them to shut up.
When they were leaving, Sugimoto said Luepkes argued with Nakamoto.
The pair went to finish grocery shopping before heading away from the shopping center. They were planning to head to their homes in a nearby housing complex.
Their route lead them near where Nakamoto was getting in his car, Sugimoto said, and a fight started.
During the fray all three people were injured and ultimately transported to North Hawaii Community Hospital.
Her testimony was later challenged by Robert Kim, Nakamoto’s defense attorney. He questioned if there was any reason to go by Nakamoto’s vehicle.
“That’s not the way home,” he said. “That’s exactly the opposite way home.”
Kim said Luepkes was looking for trouble with Nakamoto.
The trial is proceeding without a jury, as Nakamoto waived his right to one.
Instead the case was heard directly by Judge Ronald Ibarra.
There were a number of other witnesses on Tuesday, including the two medical personnel who transported Nakamoto, who had a puncture wound in his thigh, near the knee.
Paul Higgins, the EMT in the ambulance, said they asked Nakamoto questions about what happened to guide their treatment.
Nakamoto said he didn’t know how the injury happened, but agreed it was possible it was from a knife.
There was also testimony by the bartender at Pueo’s, one of the investigating detectives, and the man whose presence helped end the fight.
The prosecution still had witnesses to present and evidence to enter at the conclusion of court on Tuesday.
This includes surveillance video of the bar that both sides reference as proving parts of their case.
Testimony resumes at 9 a.m. today in 3rd Circuit Court.