Hawai‘i Island police arrested and charged K-One Howard, of Oʻahu, with assault following a New Year’s Day incident in Hilo.

After receiving numerous reports of an unconscious male who had been assaulted, South Hilo patrol officers responded to Lokahi Street.  The 21-year-old victim was transported via ambulance to the Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room in critical condition.  
 
Responding officers quickly identified Howard as the suspect, who was then located nearby within his mother-in-law’s apartment on Lokahi Circle. He was arrested without incident.
 
It was reported that Howard, along with the victim and several other males, was drinking at Lokahi Park prior to the assault. During that time several of the males were involved in a verbal altercation. Witnesses stated that as the victim left, Howard followed him and then punched and kicked him numerous times. 
 
Due to the severity of the victim’s injuries, Area I Criminal Investigation Section detectives responded to the scene.
 
A search warrant was later executed on the apartment where Howard was arrested, and detectives recovered the clothing Howard was wearing during the assault.  
 
After conferring with Hawai’i County prosecutors, detectives charged Howard with second-degree assault. His bail was set at $10,000. He remained in police custody pending his initial court appearance on Tuesday afternoon, January 3, in Hilo District Court.

The victim was released from Hilo Medical Center on Wednesday, January 4.

Police ask anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact Detective Paul Mangus of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2383 or via email Paul.Mangus@hawaiicounty.gov.

HPD Photo