UPDATE: Two Puna Men Charged in Stabbing Investigation

An attempted murder investigation launched by Hawai‘i Island police following a stabbing in Puna earlier this week has resulted in charges against two Big Island men.

According to a media release from the Hawai‘i Police Department, after conferring with the the county prosecutor’s office, at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, March 24, detectives charged 45-year-old Albert Kealoha Mahi Jr. and 47-year-old Vincenso Giovanni Gilbert in connection with the incident.

Mahi was charged with first-degree assault and first-degree burglary. His bail was set at $50,000. Gilbert was charged with first-degree burglary for his role in the incident. His bail was set at $25,000.

Both men remain in police custody pending their initial court appearances scheduled for Monday, March 28, in Hilo District Court.

According to police, shortly after 11 p.m., Tuesday, March 22, Puna patrol officers responded to a residence on 38th Avenue in Orchidland for a reported stabbing. Upon arrival, officers contacted a 24-year-old male who stated he was stabbed multiple times.

The two suspects were reported to be acquaintances of the victim, who had come to the residence before the violent confrontation. According to a release earlier this week, a physical altercation ensued and the victim was stabbed multiple times, according to the release. The two male suspects left the area prior to police arrival.

The victim was transported by ambulance to Hilo Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. He was admitted and later upgraded to stable condition.

Area I Criminal Investigation Section personnel responded to the scene to continue the investigation.

Shortly after 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, police located the two suspects at a residence on Shell Road in Nānāwale Estates. Mahi and Gilbert was arrested in connection with the stabbing incident, as well as outstanding warrants.

Upon arrest, Mahi was taken to Hilo Medical Center for treatment of multiple stab wounds and a head injury he reportedly had received during the confrontation. He was later released from the hospital.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the police department’s nonemergency line at 808-935-3311 or Detective Casey Cabral at 808-961-2384, or contact Cabral by email at Casey.Cabral@hawaiicounty.gov.