Bail for 33-year-old Marlin Lavoie, who was charged with murder in connection with the death of his girlfriend on Molokai, was increased to $500,000 Friday because of his violent criminal history, according to Deputy Prosecutor Emlyn Higa.

Lavoie’s initial bail was set at $170,000 after he was charged with second-degree murder, first-degree terroristic threatening and firearms-related offenses involving the March 20 death of 24-year-old Malia Kahalewai of Honouliwai.

District Judge Eric Romanchak increased his bail to $500,000, cash only, on the second-degree murder charge at his initial appearance Friday. Lavoie’s preliminary hearing is scheduled to be held Wednesday.

Higa said the bail increase was based on Lavoie’s criminal record, which includes domestic abuse as well as felony convictions for robbery and burglary. In addition, Higa said the increase was based on Lavoie’s arrest for alleged abuse of a household member involving Kahalewai four days before her death.

“Given all those factors, we felt that his dangerousness was at a level that warranted an increase in bail,” Higa said.

On March 16, Lavoie approached Kahalewai while she was in a car and allegedly elbowed her in her head, according to Higa. After he posted bail, police issued him a warning citation to stay away from her. The citation expired March 18.

On March 20, Kahalewai was hiding from Lavoie by staying with a friend in Kawela when Lavoie allegedly shot and killed her in front of at least one of their four children. She died of a single gunshot wound to the chest.

Lavoie surrendered to police the following day and is in custody at the Maui Community Correctional Center.