A Sunday night clash in Kailua-Kona’s old industrial area sent two men to the hospital after what police say appears to have involved a stabbing in the middle of the busy business strip.
Officers were called to reports of a fight in the 74-5900 block of Loloku Street, where they found one man suffering from multiple stab wounds to his lower abdomen and thigh and a second man with a head injury. Both men were taken to Kona Community Hospital for treatment and later released, according to Hawaii News Now.
Police: Weapon Believed To Be A Knife
In a news release, the Hawaiʻi Police Department said Kona patrol officers were alerted around 8:45 p.m. to an affray in the area. A preliminary investigation indicates an unknown object, believed to be a knife, was used during the altercation.
Detectives with the Area II Criminal Investigation Section have taken over the case, which is listed under report number 26-054821, and say the investigation remains active.
Victims Treated And Detectives Seeking Witnesses
While both men have been released from the hospital, police are still trying to piece together exactly what happened in the industrial corridor that night. Investigators are asking anyone who saw the fight, or who might have captured it on video, to come forward.
Witnesses are asked to contact Detective Bradley Llanes at (808) 326-4646 ext. 268 or via email at [email protected]. Anonymous callers can reach Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 if their tip leads to an arrest.
Where This Fits In Kona’s Recent Incidents
The case adds to a string of violent episodes in the Kona area this year. In April, a stabbing aboard a snorkel tour led to criminal charges, according to the Hawaiʻi Police Department. That investigation also landed with Area II detectives and highlights why officers say community tips and any available video are crucial for closing these kinds of cases.
How To Help
Police have not released the identities of the two men involved and say they will provide updates as the investigation moves forward. Anyone with information, or who believes they may have recorded the incident, is urged to contact Detective Llanes or reach out to Crime Stoppers so investigators can follow up.
