Maui: Getting Away with Hammer Attack?

Dear Editor,      July 1, 2026

Aloha. 

It is simply astounding that the identified suspect still has not been charged for the vicious hammer attack that occurred June 10 outside Ray’s Deli and Lounge on Maui, even though the attack was clearly captured on surveillance video which has appeared on social media and television news. 

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of second degree assault, and was immediately released pending further investigation, reportedly before police were aware of the video.

But this is now a clear case of second degree attempted murder: the suspect armed himself with a deadly weapon, waited for the victim, then struck from behind with a vicious blow to the head. 

The victim suffered serious injury but reportedly did not want to press charges.  That doesn’t matter.  This is a criminal case for which very compelling evidence besides victim testimony exists and is clearly sufficient to support conviction.  There was also at least one witness to the attack, who is clearly visible in the video. 

Amazingly, the suspect was reportedly drinking in the same bar the very next day!

It is absolutely astonishing that neither the police, prosecutor, nor mayor have provided any information about this outrageous case since the suspect was released and the video became available, despite deep concern and frustration among many Maui residents.

Please investigate this situation and inform the public, since we obviously cannot rely on Maui’s public officials to take proper action and keep the public safe and informed. 

Perhaps the Attorney General or some other entity needs to step in and investigate not only the crime, but the failure to prosecute. 

Mahalo

Anonymous

Maui