Man charged in Big Island shopping center stabbing

Hawaii County authorities charged a 34-year-old South Kohala man for allegedly slashing two women with a knife in a fight Sunday in the parking lot of the Waikoloa Highlands Center.

Aaron Nakamoto was expected to appear in court Wednesday on attempted second-degree murder, second-degree assault and disorderly conduct charges. His bail is set at $500,000.

 Nakmoto was found at his home with facial injuries and a wound to his leg. An ambulance took him to North Hawaii Community Hospital and officers arrested him for first-degree assault after he was treated for his injuries and released from the hospital at 1:30 a.m. Monday. 

One of the women, 22, suffered a laceration to her left arm and a wound to her chest. She was treated for her injuries and released from the hospital Sunday night.

The other woman, also 22, suffered lacerations to her face, throat and neck. She was treated for her injuries and released Monday.

Witnesses said both women are from Waikoloa and left the shopping center after the fight. 

Police also initiated an assault investigation in connection with the Nakamoto’s injuries.

Police ask anyone who may have witnessed the confrontation to call the police department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311, Detective Shawn Tingle at 326-4646, extension 277, or Detective Levon Stevens at 326-4646, extension 275. The detectives also may be contacted by email at stingle@co.hawaii.hi.us or lstevens@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300.