Murder suspect Kosi
bites reporter

The attack occurred
in a Maui courtroom

By Linda Aragon
Star-Bulletin

A Honolulu Star-Bulletin reporter was attacked in a Maui courtroom today by suspected killer Daniel Kosi.

About 8:30 a.m., Maui correspondent Gary T. Kubota was in court taking a photograph of Kosi when Kosi leaped over a bench and lunged at Kubota.

A struggle ensued in which Kosi, in hand irons, grabbed Kubota's right leg.

Deputy sheriffs tried to subdue Kosi, who bit Kubota.

Kubota said he punched Kosi several times in the head. Kubota then kicked Kosi in the head, and Kosi let go.

"When he lunged at me, I didn't think he would bite me," Kubota said.

"I had just taken a photograph of him facing me when he leaped toward me, and I stepped back. He kept charging, grabbed me, and that's when I started hitting him," Kubota said.

Kubota suffered a bite mark near his right ankle and a couple of cuts.

"He bit through my sock," Kubota said.

Kubota was given a tetanus shot and treated at Maui Hospital.

Kosi was in Judge Boyd Mossman's courtroom for an arraignment in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Lanai resident Aisha Tolentino.

On Aug. 15, police found Tolentino's lifeless body in the hallway of a Kihei condominium after a 24-hour standoff with Kosi.

Police said Tolentino had been stabbed 13 times.

Kosi's girlfriend Jennifer Kong has also been indicted in the girl's death.

A court clerk in this morning's arraignment said Mossman had not entered the courtroom when the scuffle began.

Kosi's arraignment has been postponed until 1:30 p.m. today.

Attorney William "Pili" McGrath from the public defender's office said he estimates Kubota had been within six inches to a foot from Kosi when he was taking Kosi's photograph.

Kubota said Kosi lunged about three or four feet to get to him.

He said he waited for Kosi to turn to him to get a picture of Kosi's face.

"When he looked at me, I shot the photograph," Kubota said.