Crime

New Sentence in 2013 Molokai Murder Case

Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023

By Jack Kiyonaga, Reporter

On March 14, a judge sentenced Marlin Lavoie, of Molokai, to a 40-year prison term during a re-trial for the fatal shooting of Malia Kahalewai in 2013. 

Eight years ago, Lavoie was initially sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole, plus 20 years, following his jury conviction of second-degree murder and three firearms charges in 2015. However, Lavoie appealed the convictions, and the state Supreme Court sent the case for re-trial, with the court’s ruling that testimony regarding five previous domestic violence acts by Lavoie shouldn’t have been permitted at the trial, according to The Maui News.  …

Murder Investigation in Death of Molokai Woman

Wednesday, November 30th, 2022

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

The investigation is ongoing in the murder of a 43-year-old Molokai woman last week. On Nov. 19 at 5:46 p.m., Molokai emergency dispatchers received a 911 call from a male about a possible murder at his house, according to police. When police officers arrived, they found the lifeless body of a female, who was later identified as Amie Kaholoaa. The man, who police later said was 59-year-old Mariano Garces, could not be found in the area by police.

At 6 a.m. the next day, Garces returned to his house and was placed under arrest for murder in the second degree, according to police.…

Molokai Monk Seal Shot Dead

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021

A young female seal known as “L11” found dead on Molokai on Sept. 19 is confirmed to have died from a gunshot wound to the head. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the results of its postmortem analyses Tuesday.

“Specifically, we found a bullet fragment in association with evidence of severe, lethal trauma,” NOAA stated. “We are waiting on test results to see if L11 had any diseases, but we do not expect the results to change these conclusions.”

The seal’s death marks the third confirmed intentional killing of a monk seal on Molokai in 2021, with several other seal deaths investigated on the island this year. …

Cop Secrets Revealed

Friday, January 19th, 2018

Molokai Police Dept. News Release

 

Psssssst! First and foremost, happy New Year! Since it’s a new year, I’m giving away 10 secrets to reduce your chances of having a negative interaction with a police officer just because, “Eh, this Molokai!”

 

Don’t sell, use or possess any drugs that going make you or someone else pupule (crazy).

 

Make sure your ka`a (vehicle) is all maika`i (registration, safety current, bugguh insured, everything works).

 

No use your hands, feet, or other object to hurt someone else.

 

If you driving, and someone calling or texting you, pull off the road.…

Update: DHHL Water Given the All Clear

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2016

DHHL News Release (Nov. 23)

Effective immediately, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) is lifting the water usage restriction for Molokaʻi residents who receive their potable water from the Hoʻolehua reservoirs.

The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) completed the microbiological and chemical testing of the Hoʻolehua water system and has determined that it is safe to resume normal water usage and consumption.

“We would like to thank our homesteaders and the residents of Molokaʻi for their patience and understanding as well as Maui County, the State Department of Health and the State Department of Education for their continued cooperation in this matter,” said Jobie M.…

Davis Pleads No Contest to 2014 Murder

Friday, January 22nd, 2016

Molokai’s Jeffery Kalani Davis changed his not guilty plea on Jan. 4 in the case involving the death of Molokai resident Koshari Kahikili Waits. On the day the jury selection process for his trial was set to begin, Davis pled no contest to manslaughter and two gun offenses—prohibited possession of a firearm and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Manslaughter is a lesser crime than the second degree murder charge he would have been facing had the case gone to trial. Manslaughter covers cases of death caused by recklessness and where extreme mental or emotional states are a factor, while second degree murder covers cases of intentional homicide.…

Addressing Drugs on Molokai

Wednesday, December 16th, 2015

With a recent drug-related shooting fresh on people’s minds, Molokai residents are gathering for a revitalized call to action to address the island’s drug problems head on. More than 40 community members from church representatives to police officers, recovering addicts to government officials, gathered last Friday for a workshop led by Toni Bissen, executive director of Pu`a Foundation, a nonprofit that has created a framework for healing trauma within prison walls.

“You look back and we’ve had murder suicides, suicides, domestic violence,” said county council member Stacy Crivello. “We act and then we stop. It’s just our culture, because you know that person and you don’t want to talk about it.…

Two Shooters Charged with Attempted Murder

Wednesday, October 21st, 2015

Two Molokai men were arrested and charged with first degree attempted murder for shooting two men in Ho`olehua last Wednesday, Oct. 14. Thirty-two-year-old Chad Kaipo Naehu of Kaunakakai and 26-year-old Travis Torres of Ho`olehua turned themselves in to the Molokai Police Station at about 10:15 p.m. that night, according to police. Both are being held on Maui on $1 million bails.

The two men they shot were hospitalized after each sustained a gunshot wound. A 52-year-old man was shot in the neck and was transported to Oahu in critical condition. The second victim, a 37-year-old man, was shot in the rear and also flown to Oahu, in guarded condition.…

Man Dies in Gunshot Accident

Wednesday, October 14th, 2015

A 24-year-old Molokai man from Maunaloa died after accidentally shooting himself with a gun in Kaluakoi on Oct. 5. Marianito Alavazo was with two friends at the time, according to police. He was treated at the scene by emergency personnel, who received a 911 call from a Molokai resident reporting the accident just before 4 p.m.

Alavazo was flown to Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition, and he died the following day.

Molokai police recovered the gun that was involved, though they have not released details surrounding its discharge. The police department is continuing an investigation into this case.…

Lavoie Gets Life in Prison for 2013 Murder

Wednesday, August 19th, 2015

A Molokai man who killed his girlfriend with a single gunshot in 2013 was sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years. Marlin Lavoie, 35, was tried and found guilty of second degree murder in June, and last Thursday, received his sentencing.

On March 20, 2013, Lavoie was looking for his girlfriend of nine years, 24-year-old Malia Kahalewai, at her friend’s apartment in Kawela Barns. The two had separated about a week earlier following domestic violence incidents.

After speaking with Kahalewai, who repeatedly asked him to leave, witnesses said Lavoie went down to his parked car, retrieved a rifle and fired a single shot at her chest.…