One Charged Again in Home Invasion, Another Sought

Police on Tuesday arrested a 30-year-old Puna man in connection with a July 24 home invasion robbery that occurred in the Leilani Estates subdivision.

Mark McCurley was charged on a grand-jury indictment with second-degree robbery, second-degree theft and kidnapping. His bail was set at $85,000.

Police said McCurley, Kawika Benny Kahee, 30, and another unidentified man allegedly forced their way into the home of a 56-year-old woman. Police said the trio assaulted and restrained the Leilani Estates resident before fleeing with stolen items.

This was the second time McCurley has been charged in connection with the July 24 incident.

Both he and Kahee were arrested by police and charged on Aug. 20 in relation to the incident but then were released before a preliminary hearing was held.

Both were indicted by a grand jury last week.

Kawika Kahee. HPD photo.

Kahee remains at large, and police are asking for the public’s help locating him.

He is described as Hawaiian, 5-foot-11 and 265 pounds, with shoulder-length black hair, brown eyes and a tan complexion. He often has a light mustache and goatee.

Kahee also has several tattoos including the word “Trinity” on his chest, “Serenity” on his entire right forearm and a large ornamental tattoo wrapping around his left forearm.

Kahee has been indicted by a grand jury for robbery, assault, theft, promotion of a dangerous drug and drug paraphernalia. He also has two outstanding arrest warrants for allegedly violating probation and contempt of court.

Anyone with information on Kahee or the third suspect in the July 24 incident is asked to contact Det. Derek Morimoto at 961-2380 or [email protected].

Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in East Hawaii or 329-8181 in West Hawaii. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.