A man clutching a butcher knife walked into a Kalihi business early Thursday, demanded cash from the register and then took off when more customers walked in, according to Honolulu police. Officers were called to the North School Street area at about 6:55 a.m. No one was hurt, no property was taken and the suspect ran from the scene.
Witnesses told police the man was about 5-foot-6 and 170 pounds, wearing a black hoodie and a black mask.
As reported by Hawaii News Now, officers said the suspect brandished the knife and moved toward the register before fleeing empty-handed. The outlet reports the investigation is still active as detectives canvas the area for witnesses and surveillance footage.
Recent incidents and neighborhood context
Kalihi has seen a string of violent incidents in recent months, prompting extra patrols and targeted investigations by HPD district units, according to local reporting. Coverage of several stabbings and an attempted-murder probe in the neighborhood into late 2025 highlights the ongoing tension for residents and businesses.
Separately, Civil Beat has noted that larger blades, including machetes and butcher knives, have repeatedly surfaced in island crimes, a trend that complicates policing and fuels community concern.
How to help investigators
Police are asking anyone with information or video of Thursday's encounter to call 911 or Honolulu Crime Stoppers at (808) 955-8300. The Honolulu Police Department website also offers non-emergency reporting options, including the P3 Tips app and an online reporting portal, which can help detectives piece together what happened.
HPD detectives say the case remains open as they canvass nearby businesses and review any available surveillance footage. As Hawaii News Now also reported, anyone who witnessed the incident or captured it on video is urged to contact investigators or Crime Stoppers.
