Ex-Hawai‘i Island police officer pleads no contest to burglary, assault charges

A former Hawai‘i Island police officer pleaded no contest to assault and burglary charges in connection to an incident that occurred in Ocean View in August 2023.

On Tuesday, Mark Kaili Jr. appeared before Circuit Court Judge Wendy DeWeese where she sentenced the former police officer to one-year unsupervised probation, 30 days jail with credit for time served and all further active jail suspended.

Kaili was charged with third-degree assault and first-degree criminal trespass after breaking into a Ka‘ū residence on Aug. 12 with 27-year-old Cody Kanahele and assaulting a 20-year-old man.

The officer was arrested on Aug. 15 and posted $6,000 bail.

At the time of the arrest, Kaili had been with the police department for just over two years and was stationed in Puna as a patrol officer. He was indicted Sept. 7 on the charges.

Kanahele was also indicted on charges of first-degree burglary and third-degree assault. In January, he changed his plea from not guilty to no contest.

Kanahele was also placed under supervision for one year.

Kaili is scheduled to appear in court on March 7, 2025, for proof he complied with the terms of his sentencing.

Hawai‘i Island police chief Ben Moszkowicz said Kaili was terminated within 60 days of his arrest. According to the chief, if Kaili completes his proof of compliance with the court, the charges will be wiped from his record.

“I hope he takes this opportunity to stay out of trouble and contribute to society in whatever capacity,” Moszkowicz said of Kaili.