05-14-24 Hilo Man Charged with Second Degree Assault and Domestic Related Offenses

Hawai‘i Police Department
Area I Juvenile Aid Section
Lieutenant Robert P. Pauole
Phone: (808) 961-2254
Report No.: 24-043656

Media Release

Hawai’i Island police arrested and charged 18-year-old John Kekoa Kaolelopono, of Hilo, with second-degree assault and domestic related offenses following an incident on Holomua Street, in Hilo, on Sunday morning, May 12, 2024.

At 12:57 a.m., South Hilo patrol officers responded to a reported traffic collision on Holomua Street, that involved a reported domestic incident.  Upon arrival, officers determined that the traffic collision stemmed from a domestic argument between Kaolelopono and the female victim.  After the collision, Kaolelopono entered the victim’s vehicle and reportedly struck her with a closed fist punch and removed personal items to include her cellphone in order to keep her from calling for police assistance.  Kaolelopono left the area with his vehicle, but then returned and physically removed the victim from her vehicle, struck her to the head with a closed fist punch and grabbed her head and struck it against the door frame of her vehicle. 

Kaolelopono left before police arrival, but was arrested without incident a short time later at an address on Awa Street in Hilo. 

The victim was transported to the Hilo Medical Center for treatment for a substantial laceration to her head and a concussion, and was released several hours later. 

On Monday evening, March 13, after conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office, detectives from the Area I Juvenile Aid Section charged Kaolelopono with the following offenses:

• Second-degree assault
• Three counts of abuse family household member
• Two counts of first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle
• Interference with reporting an emergency or crime
• Driving without a license

His bail was set at $9,750.00

Kaolelopono’s initial court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, May 14, in Hilo District Court.

Police ask anyone who may have information relative to this investigation to please contact Detective Clarence Acob of the Area I Juvenile Aid Section, at (808) 961-8839; or via email at clarence.acob@hawaiicounty.gov.