Man charged with assault, kidnapping other offenses

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 Sunday near Kapoho Kumukahi Lighthouse Road in Pahoa. Nihipali threatened the 43-year-old man while armed with a firearm, and intentionally discharged the firearm near the victim, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

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 non-life-threatening injuries and later released.

Nihipali’s bail was set at $191,000.