June 13, 2026 News Read > Hawaii Free Press

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Saturday, June 13, 2026

June 13, 2026 News Read
By Andrew Walden @ 8:04 AM :: 165 Views

Green Uses Executive Order to 'Interpret' Act 24 Solar Credits

Soft on Crime: 18 Time Loser Gets ‘Released Pending Investigation’ after Hammer Attack

HNN: … A man was arrested and released after a hammer attack outside Ray’s Deli and Lounge on Waiehu Beach Road early Wednesday morning.

Surveillance video shows people exiting the bar shortly after 2 a.m.

A man then hits another man in the head with a hammer.

The victim, who asked to remain anonymous, said he was treated for injuries and is still being evaluated for brain damage. He said he is grateful to be alive.

… Arrest records show Erath Kaihewalu, 33, was arrested for assault in the second degree but was released pending further investigation.

“We’re currently working with the prosecutor’s office to determine whether additional arrests and charges are warranted in this case. Right now, the case is under investigation,” said Capt. Nelson Hamilton of the Maui Police Department.

The anonymous witness hope police and prosecutors take this case seriously.

“I just feel like unsafe,” the witness said. “I heard that he was at the bar drinking the next day after he was released. So, like obviously he thinks like he can just get away with it.”

Prior criminal history

Court records show Kaihewalu has 18 prior convictions for various offenses, including assault and drug charges.

He was charged with attempted murder and meth trafficking after a standoff with police in Kahului in 2011. Records show that case was dismissed.

He was charged again with attempted murder in 2021 after a machete attack at Piihana Farms in Wailuku. Records show that case was also dismissed….

R: Update Piihana fires - Wailuku

Read … Man arrested, released after hammer attack outside Maui bar | Hawaii News Now

Maui attorney warns fire survivors settlement money could be delayed as some lawyers ‘likely’ to fight ruling

HNN: … Aaron got an email from his Maui attorney, Jan Apo, who also lost his home in the fire, saying he shares Cahill’s intentions but warns them that some lawyers may be fighting the ruling. Apo warned that could trigger complications to complete the claim process.

The Diaz’s hope attorneys will decide not to delay the much-needed payments any longer.

“We got denied by our insurance. We got denied by FEMA. We got denied by SBA. So, this was like, OK, well at least you know there’s this, and so now it’s like, whoa, come on, another hurdle? So yeah, it’s been a lot,” Aaron said.

The first checks were expected to go out this week. But if an attorney fights Cahill’s ruling, it will be delayed – again ….

BACKGROUND: Maui Fire Legal Fees: Lawyers to get $222M of fire victims money

Read … Maui attorney warns fire survivors settlement money could be delayed as some lawyers ‘likely’ to fight ruling

‘So angry’: Former Shriners parent recalls Guam bingo fraudster now on FBI list

HNN: … “He would stand up and tell them, oh, thank you for coming out. This is for Shriners Hospital. This is for the transportation of our children so that they can go to Hawai’i,” the former Shriners parent told HNN Investigates.

Last month, Marasigan was sentenced in absentia and ordered to pay $10 million to the Aloha Shriners. Court documents say he wanted to travel to the Philippines for medical care, but then ghosted authorities.

“It made me so angry that he lied not only to my face, but to everybody in that bingo hall several times a week,” the former parent said.

Families struggled with travel costs

The former parent said the popular bingo operation and the fake fundraising left many families with hardships as they tried to figure out how to fly between Guam and Hawai’i.

“He would say, oh, but we can’t afford for the parent. Oh, but we can’t afford for the change fees,” the former parent said. “And it did not add up when I could see that the bingo hall was completely full. It was disgusting to tell you the truth.”

Angela Keen, a former Shriners Hospital employee, reported marketing violations to the nonprofit’s headquarters in 2017….

May 20, 2026: Feds Bust Guam Scammers--$10M Rip-off hit Shriners Hospital

Read … ‘So angry’: Former Shriners parent recalls Guam bingo fraudster now on FBI list | Hawaii News Now

Coming soon, for six years

ASD: … Maui County promised a new zoning code on a six-year timeline, notes ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa. The six years are up, the website says “coming soon,” and the County is calling for a fresh start….

Read … Coming soon, for six years

Hawaii Supreme Court to hear case regarding ‘human’ rights for Honolulu Zoo elephants

HNN: … The NhRP argues elephants are autonomous beings with complex cognitive, emotional, and social aptitudes and should therefore be entitled to legally protected bodily liberty.

“Mari and Vaigai have spent decades deprived of their freedom,” Davis said. “We look forward to presenting their case before Hawaii’s highest court and demonstrating why the common law should protect their fundamental interest in liberty.”

In April, the NhRP filed its application for certiorari, which means they requested that the case be elevated to the Supreme Court, after the state’s Intermediate Court of Appeals affirmed a decision to dismiss the case.

The Hawaii Supreme Court’s decision to hear the appeal could possibly set the stage for similar animal autonomy cases in other states.

“By agreeing to hear this case, the Hawaii Supreme Court has recognized the significance of the legal questions presented,” Davis said…

IDEA: Call in the elephants to testify. I want to hear it from them. The elephant whisperer can translate.

KHON: Elephants' liberty rights challenged in Hawai'i court

Read … Hawaii Supreme Court to hear case regarding Honolulu Zoo elephants | Hawaii News Now

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