Molokai man charged in knife attack on girlfriend

A 52-year-old Molokai man has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly slashing his girlfriend with a knife Saturday.

John Henry Sardinha, of Hoolehua, faces charges of second-degree attempted murder, second-degree assault, and abuse of a family or household member. He is being held on $52,000 bail.

Police said the attack happened about 10 p.m. in Kawela Barns in Kawela, where Sardinha punched his girlfriend and slashed her with a knife.

Another woman, who intervened and eventually took the knife away, was cut on both hands, police said. 

Responding officers found Sardinha’s girlfriend had abrasions to her face from being punched and serious cuts to her right cheek and left forearm.

Both women were taken to Molokai General Hospital, where Sardinha’s girlfriend was treated for life-threatening injuries. The other woman was treated and released.