Two people were hospitalized Friday morning after being stabbed multiple times during an argument that erupted in the back room of a Sheridan Street bar, according to the Honolulu Police Department. The violent altercation occurred just before 9:00 AM when a dispute between the victims—ages 27 and 29—and an unknown male suspect escalated into a knife attack.
The suspect, described as an older Asian-mix male wearing a white puffer jacket and black pants, brandished a knife and stabbed both victims multiple times before fleeing the scene prior to police arrival. Emergency Medical Services transported both victims to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries.
Latest in String of Sheridan Street Violence
This morning's stabbing marks the latest violent incident on Sheridan Street, a corridor that has experienced multiple serious crimes in recent years. In March 2023, a 64-year-old landlord was fatally beaten outside the Six Twenty Sheridan apartment building, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, while an armed robbery at an illegal game room in the 700 block of Sheridan Street in 2021 left three people shot, as reported by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
The street houses multiple bars and entertainment venues, including iSing Karaoke Bar & Grill, Club Secret, and Business Bar And Lounge. According to Honolulu Liquor Commission regulations, bars in the city can serve alcohol until 2 AM daily, with establishments holding special cabaret licenses authorized to serve until 4 AM.
Violent Crime Trends Show Mixed Picture
While this stabbing adds to concerns about public safety, violent crime on Oahu has decreased 24% from 2019 to 2024, according to analysis by Honolulu Civil Beat. However, the data reveals troubling exceptions: murder and non-negligent manslaughter cases rose 82% over that five-year period.
Aggravated assaults have declined significantly, dropping 19% over five years with 238 fewer assaults reported in 2024 than in 2019, according to Honolulu Civil Beat. Researchers at the University of Hawaii found that aggravated assaults, robberies, and sexual offenses are "significantly lower than they used to be," though homicides have been rising at small but concerning increments.
Investigation Continues
Honolulu Police have opened an attempted murder case and are actively investigating the incident. The suspect remains at large, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact emergency services immediately.
According to NeighborhoodScout, residents have a 1 in 500 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Honolulu, which equates to a rate of 2 per one thousand inhabitants. The city's overall crime rate remains considerably higher than the national average, though violent crime rates are lower than in most major mainland cities.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call 911 or contact CrimeStopper at (808) 955-8300, via the P3 Tips app, or by reporting tips at any police station.
