Big Island man charged with felony assault, theft for stabbing at Ross Dress for Less

Kunia Hassard, 37, was charged Monday afternoon with multiple counts of assault and a single count of theft after an incident last week that landed two individuals in the hospital, according to the Hawaiʻi County Prosecutors Office.

The charges are in relation to a felony assault and theft incident which took place on June 20, 2023, outside of the Ross Dress for Less store in Hilo.

Police allege that Hassard, using a sickle, sliced and/or stabbed one person and stabbed another person.

Hassard made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on June 26. His
bail was set at $52,000 and he was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on
June 28.

Hassard is being charged with two counts of assault in the first degree, two counts of assault in the second degree, and a single count of theft in the third degree for allegedly steeling a bicycle valued at more than $250.

Assault in the first degree is a class B felony offense which carries a maximum penalty of a 10 year prison term.

If convicted as charged, the prosecutors office said Hassard is subject to a mandatory prison term based on prior felony convictions and is not eligible for probation.