HPD Charges Big Island Man With Assault of Police Officer, Other Charges

On Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, Hawai´i County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Big Island man was charged in relation to an incident that occurred the week previous in Orchidland.

As the criminal complaint alleges, 40-year-old Robin Chun Nakapaahu, of Puna, was charged with Attempted Theft in the First Degree (theft of a firearm), Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree, Resisting Arrest, and three counts of Assault Against a Law Enforcement Officer in the First Degree. At the time of his arrest, Nakapaahu was out of custody on bail pending an unrelated felony matter.

Nakapaahu was scheduled to make his initial appearance Monday in Hilo District Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $57,000 bail.

The investigation was handled by Puna Patrol and Detective John Balberde, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Hashizaki. The charges are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Anyone with information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.