Big Island Man Shot in Head, Police Open Attempted Murder Investigation

Big Island authorities have opened an attempted murder investigation following an incident that occurred on Saturday, April 3, 2021, in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision in Ka‘ū.

At approximately 12:30 am, Ka‘ū patrol officers responded to a residence in the 92-1700 block of Keaka Parkway for a report of a man with a head injury. Upon arrival, they found a 39-year-old man from Hawaiian Ocean View Estates outside the residence with a severe head injury. The man was responsive and informed officers he could not recall how he sustained the head injury.

He was initially transported by Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel to Kona Community Hospital for treatment where it was determined that he sustained a gunshot wound to his head. He was later flown to the Queen’s Medical Center on O´ahu where he underwent surgery for his injury and as of Sunday, April 4, remained hospitalized there listed in critical condition.

Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigations Section responded to the scene and are continuing this investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 326-4646 Ext. 238; or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov. They may also contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311. Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID.