Preliminary Hearing Set for Accused Murderer

Mark Anthony Whyne, the man charged with murder in connection with a December shooting near Hilo’s Bayfront, today made his first appearance in court on the matter.

Whyne, 55, was ordered by District Court Judge Barbara Takase to appear for a preliminary hearing Monday at 2 p.m.

The hearing will determine whether probable cause exists to hold Whyne over for trial.

Whyne, who has no permanent address, was charged Thursday with second-degree murder and five firearms offenses in connection with the Dec. 29 death of 32-year-old Faatetai Fiu near Mo`oheau Park.

Police responding to reports of multiple gunshots found Fiu’s body along the Bayfront Highway. According to police, an autopsy showed that Fiu bled to death as a result of gunshot wounds.