A routine afternoon outside the Pūnāwai Rest Stop on Kūwili Street in Kalihi turned violent Thursday when a 53-year-old man was stabbed in front of the facility, leading to the arrest of a 38-year-old suspect shortly afterward.
The victim was treated at the scene, then taken to a hospital for further care. Police say a quick-thinking witness followed the suspect as he took off, allowing officers to track him down and detain him a short time later.
According to a Honolulu Police Department news release, officers were called around 2:22 p.m. on Nov. 20 about a report of a stabbing fronting the Pūnāwai Rest Stop. The 53-year-old man had suffered a stab wound and was transported to the hospital. District 5 Crime Reduction Unit officers detained a 38-year-old man who had been trailed by a witness, and he was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in the second degree.
Local TV outlet KITV first reported the arrest and noted that charges are pending. The station also reported that police are asking anyone with information to call 911 or CrimeStoppers at 808-955-8300.
Kalihi's recent stabbings raise alarms
The latest arrest lands in the middle of a troubling run of violent incidents in Kalihi this year. In August, the neighborhood saw a separate August stabbing that left a man critically injured, part of a pattern that has rattled residents and business owners alike.
Coverage by Hawaii News Now has highlighted other serious assaults in the area in recent months, feeding growing concern over public safety in District 5 and putting more attention on how repeat violence is being addressed.
Police ask for tips
HPD says the investigation into Thursday's stabbing remains active and that the suspect is still in custody while detectives continue their work. Anyone with information is urged to call 911, contact CrimeStoppers at 808-955-8300, or visit any police station, according to the Honolulu Police Department.
Local reporting indicates the case is being reviewed by the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney as potential charges are considered and the investigation moves forward.
