Hilo man accused of assaulting his girlfriend granted supervised release

A Hilo man facing domestic abuse charges was granted supervised release by a Hilo Family Court judge this morning.

Hunta Shaylo Wai’oli Santos, 22, was taken into custody Friday and charged with felony abuse of a household member and four counts of abuse of a family household member against a spouse or partner.

Just before 10 a.m., South Hilo Patrol officers responded to the Wainaku Scenic Point lookout off of Highway 19, just north of downtown Hilo, for a call from a female victim who reported she had just been physically abused by her boyfriend.

Upon arrival, the victim reported to police that she was struck by Santos in two different locations within the parking lot of the Puainako Town Center located at 2100 Kanoelehua Avenue, Hilo. The parties then left the shopping center and the physical abuse continued within the vehicle while Santos was driving from the Puainako Town Center toward the Wainaku area.

While in the area of Wainaku Street and Halaulani Place, Santos reportedly stopped the vehicle, got out of the driver’s seat, and from the passenger’s side he struck the victim again, which prompted several passing motorists to call 911. Santos then drove them to his residence on Ka’ie’ie Road in Papa‘ikou, where he got out of the vehicle, and the victim left the area and called for police.

During this incident, the victim reported that she was struck with closed-fist punches, her hair was pulled, and her breathing was restricted when Santos grabbed her neck and choked her.

Emergency Medical Services personnel responded to the scenic point lookout; however, the victim elected to transport herself to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where she was treated and later released.

Santos made an initial appearance in Hilo Family Court on bail of $18,000. The presiding judge did grant supervised release. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 11.

Police ask anyone who may have witnessed the incidents at the Puainako Town Center and/or the Wainaku areas, to contact Detective Kevin Brodie of the Area I Juvenile Aid Section, at 808-961-2373; or via email at kevin.brodie@hawaiicounty.gov.