Man Faces Several Charges in Connection With Incident at Hilo Walmart

A Big Island man faces several charges following a recent shoplifting incident.

According to a press release from Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen, 33-year-old Kekoa Nihipali of Hilo was charged with six offenses in connection with the July 28 shoplifting incident at the Hilo Walmart.

Nihipali was charged with first-degree attempted robbery, first-degree terroristic threatening, fourth-degree theft, third-degree promoting a dangerous drug, second-degree criminal trespass and habitual property crime. According to the press release, the complaint alleges that Nihipali used a dangerous instrument, an X-ACTO knife, in the course of the alleged attempted theft and used force and/or threatened use of force with the intent to compel acquiescence to take or escape with property. He also allegedly was in possession of hydrocodone.

The most serious offense, first-degree attempted robbery, is a Class A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Nihipali was scheduled to make his initial appearance Monday afternoon, Aug. 1, in Hilo District Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $82,000 bail.

The investigation was handled by Officers Sy Keltner and Collin Roberts with the Hawai‘i Police Department’s South Hilo Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy County Prosecuting Attorney Heipua Ahloy.