Crime

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.…

Molokai Meth Dealer in Prison

Wednesday, March 4th, 2015

A man described as “at the pinnacle” of methamphetamine distribution on Molokai was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison last week. On Feb. 23, 35-year-old Jon Hans Kaapuni, Jr., also known as “Hanzy Boy,” was taken into custody following the sentencing in U.S. District Court in Honolulu.

In September, Kaapuni, Jr. pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess, with intent to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. At last week’s hearing, U.S. District Attorney Florence T. Nakakuni said evidence showed Kaapuni, Jr. was a manager and supervisor of a long standing methamphetamine conspiracy on Molokai involving at least five members.…