Three weeks after a violent confrontation at a popular karaoke bar sent two men to the hospital with multiple stab wounds, Honolulu police have arrested the alleged attacker in what authorities describe as an escalated argument gone deadly.
Kenneth Bounlangsy, 51, was booked yesterday for assault in the first degree in connection with the August 9 double stabbing at Back Alley Cafe, according to Hawaii News Now. The small karaoke bar lounge and restaurant is located at 920 Sheridan Street in downtown Honolulu.
What Happened That Saturday Morning
Two men, ages 27 and 29, were in the back room with Bounlangsy when an argument broke out and the dispute escalated, as reported by KITV. Police said Bounlangsy stabbed both men multiple times before fleeing the scene. The incident occurred at around 9 a.m. on Sheridan Street near South King Street, as noted by Hawaii News Now.
Both victims were taken to the hospital in serious condition. The men's current conditions have not been disclosed by authorities.
The Three-Week Investigation
Police initially launched an attempted murder investigation into the incident, though Bounlangsy was ultimately booked on the lesser charge of first-degree assault. HPD identified the suspect as Kenneth Bounlangsy on August 20, as per Hawaii News Now. The 51-year-old Asian man is described as approximately 5-feet 9-inches tall, weighing 205 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes and tattoos on the left side of his neck.
About Back Alley Cafe
Back Alley Café is known for its mix of local and Asian fusion food and sushi, as mentioned by Yelp reviews. The establishment operates from 2:00 pm to 2:00 am daily and features both karaoke rooms and an open bar area. Located near the intersection of Sheridan Street and South King Street, the venue has developed a reputation as a cozy neighborhood spot with easy parking options, as detailed by restaurant review sites.
Crime Context on Oahu
This stabbing incident comes as Oahu experiences mixed crime trends. While violent crime was down 24% from 2019 to 2024, murder and non-negligent manslaughter rose 82% over that five-year period, according to data from Honolulu Civil Beat. Aggravated assaults on Oʻahu decreased 19% over five years, with 238 fewer assaults reported in 2024 than in 2019.
