May 11, 2021
WAILUKU A Makawao man is facing charges alleging he robbed and threatened a woman after refusing to leave her vehicle.
Rodney Brittain, 40, is charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree unlawful imprisonment, first-degree terroristic threatening, unauthorized possession of confidential personal information, credit card theft, third-degree assault, third-degree theft and fourth-degree criminal property damage.
The crimes occurred Feb. 20 when Brittain allegedly entered the woman’s pickup truck while she was resting in the vehicle in the Pukalani area, Deputy Prosecutor Joshua Kent said during Brittain’s initial appearance Monday in Wailuku District Court.
The woman, who knows Brittain, told him to get out but he refused and demanded she drive, Kent said. He said she was driving toward Eddie Tam Memorial Center in Makawao when Brittain accused her of “ratting on him to police” and allegedly took out a Glock handgun and threatened to kill her.
lfujimoto@mauinews.com
WAILUKU A felony threatening charge was dismissed, while an attempted assault charge was upheld against a man who was arrested after police responded to a report that he brandished a knife at a Wailuku restaurant.
James Keliikupakako, 19, of Makawao was seen hitting the ground with a crowbar in the parking lot of Kings BBQ & Chinese Restaurant at 197 N. Market St. the evening of May 1, according to testimony at his preliminary hearing Wednesday in Wailuku District Court.
Employee Dunhao Zhang, testifying through a Mandarin interpreter, said Keliikupakako approached and was about 4 feet away when he said, “I just came out from jail.”
lfujimoto@mauinews.com
WAILUKU A 35-year-old man was arrested for allegedly shoplifting from two stores at the Shops at Wailea and from Hi-Tech Surf Sports in Kahului.
Steven Sarol was charged with three counts of second-degree theft and resisting arrest.
Although the prosecution asked for bail to be reduced to $10,000 during Sarol’s initial appearance Wednesday in Wailuku District Court, Judge Blaine Kobayashi kept bail at $15,000 for Sarol.
He was arrested Sunday and charged with the three thefts that occurred April 29. Sarol is charged with stealing merchandise valued at more than $750 each from Sunglass Hut, Gucci and Hi-Tech Surf Sports.
lfujimoto@mauinews.com
WAILUKU Bail was increased to $10,000 for a 19-year-old man who was arrested after allegedly pointing a knife at a restaurant worker, then trying to punch a police officer.
James Keliikupakako of Makawao was charged with first-degree terroristic threatening, attempted first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and violating public health emergency rules.
He was arrested Saturday evening in the parking lot of Kings BBQ & Chinese Restaurant at 197 N. Market St. in Wailuku.
Police were called after a restaurant employee reported he was working in the business shortly before 6 p.m. when Keliikupakako walked up to him and brandished the knife, pointing it in the employee’s face, according to a declaration filed in court to support the charges. Keliikupakako also was described as aggressively stabbing an aluminum can.
May 3, 2021
THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES for driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor occurred during the period of March 18 to 24. The listings include the offender’s name, age, residence and charges. First offenders undergo a 14-hour alcohol abuse rehabilitation program, a substance abuse evaluation and a one-year license suspension with the ability to operate a vehicle if qualified for an ignition interlock device.
Wailuku District Court:
Hester Bran Chinchilla, 26, Kahului; DUI; $250 fine, plus fees.
Korren Knapp, 33, Kihei; DUI (two counts), accidents involving bodily injury, inattention to driving; two-day jail term, $2,100 in fines, plus fees, two-year license revocation.
Michael Means, 55, Wailuku; DUI; $250 fine, plus fees, two-year license revocation.