KAILUA-KONA — Four men arrested over the weekend in connection with a robbery and assault investigation decided to waive their preliminary hearings Wednesday afternoon.
Eddie Faafia, 32, of Honaunau; and Kailua-Kona residents Donchevell Makekau, 20; Michael Johnson, 31; and Andrew Ollero-Heist, 20, appeared individually before District Court Judge Margaret Masunaga.
The men were arrested on Saturday in connection to two incidents that occurred in the downtown area of Kailua-Kona.
According to a press release from Hawaii Police, patrol officers received a report of a 33-year-old man who was assaulted by an unknown male near the intersection of Palani Road and Kuakini Highway. After being assaulted, the victim fell onto the public roadway where he was hit by a moving vehicle, causing minor injuries.
At the same time, police say, they received a report of an affray, or public fighting that disturbs the peace, occurring near an establishment on the 74-5500 block of Pawai Place in the Old Kona Industrial area.
As officers were responding, police said, a 29-year-old man reported four men had approached him in the parking lot of that establishment and demanded money.
Police say the suspects, later identified as Faafia, Makekau, Johnson and Ollero-Heist, entered the victim’s vehicle and took items without permission. Afterward, they left on foot headed north on Pawai Place.
Officers eventually located the four and took them into custody.
Ollero-Heist was the first to appear before Masunaga on Wednesday. She explained to him that by waiving his right to a preliminary hearing, Ollero-Heist is giving up his right for the state to establish probable cause.
Ollero-Heist indicated he understood the right he was giving up.
Deputy Prosecutor Chase Murray said the state does suggest a reduction in bail from $5,000 to $1,000. He faces a charge of second-degree robbery.
Murray said Ollero-Heist is to have no contact with the victim and stay away from Alii Drive, Lunapule Road and the Old Industrial area.
Ollero-Heist indicated he understood and agreed to the terms. A new court date has been set for Nov. 13.
Faafia appeared second. He also waived his preliminary hearing.
Defense attorney Jason R. Kwiat said he spoke with the state and there was an agreement to waive counts of fourth-degree theft and first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle.
Faafia still faces second-degree robbery and second-degree assault.
Bail was originally set at $9,000. It was adjusted accordingly to $5,000 after the dismissal of two of the charges. Faafia will appear next in court on Nov. 8.
Johnson appeared third. His defense attorney Edward Jun Fetzer also told the court they would waive the preliminary hearing. The state agreed to waive counts of first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle and fourth-degree theft.
Johnson still faces the charge of second-degree robbery.
Bail was adjusted from $7,000 to $5,000. Johnson’s next court date is Nov. 8.
Makekau appeared last. His attorney, Andrew Kennedy, said the 20-year-old will plead guilty to misdemeanor second-degree terroristic threat, and serve four months jail time with no probation.
Kennedy said the state would file an amended complaint and Makekau will appear in court today.
Murray said he didn’t know the defendants were all going to waive the preliminary hearing.