Work furlough inmate arrested in Hilo stabbing

KAILUA-KONA — A Keaau man is in police custody following a stabbing Thursday evening in downtown Hilo.

At 7:11 p.m. Thursday, Hilo Medical Center staff reported to police that a a 50-year-old Hilo man had arrived by private vehicle to the emergency room with an apparent stab wound to his torso, according to the Hawaii Police Department. Investigators determined that the incident stemmed from an argument at the Mooheau Bus terminal between the victim and another man.

Witnesses reported that the two men, who know each other, were engaged in a scuffle when the suspect reportedly stabbed the victim who was wielding a bat. Following the incident, the victim drove himself to the Hilo Medical Center and underwent surgery for a stab wound to his torso and upper leg, according to police. The victim remains in the hospital in good condition.

The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Daniel Kahaleua Sr., was allegedly struck by the bat but reportedly fled the area before police arrived.

At 11:40 p.m. Thursday, Kahaleua was arrested without incident after returning to the Hawaii Community Correctional Center. He had been on work furlough from the Hale Nani facility.

Kahaleua was treated for abrasions by HCCC staff before being taken to the Hilo cellblock while detectives with the Area I Criminal Investigation Section continue the investigation that is classified as a first-degree assault.

Anyone with information should contact the department’s nonemergency line at 935-3311 or Detective Bobbie-Jo Sagon at 961-2375 or Bobbie-Jo. Sagon@hawaiicounty.gov.