Knife attack on Kailua man stuns neighbors

Two males yesterday slashed the throat of a 67-year-old man, known to spread holiday cheer as Santa Claus in his Enchanted Lake neighborhood and at a Kailua hospital.

The act stunned the neighbors of Donald Boyce.

"Mr. Boyce, he's such a nice man and to have something like this happen, it's very unusual for this neighborhood to be shaken up like this," said Debbie Evaimalo, who watched from across the street as police investigated.

Boyce told firefighters two unknown male suspects slashed his neck and throat before he called 911 from his home, Kailua police said.

Police said he sustained a major cut to his neck and throat.

Kailua police reported the incident occurred about 10:10 a.m. at Boyce's 1171 Hele St. home. There were two dropped calls made to 911 from the home.

The Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services received a 911 call about 12:40 p.m., to which they responded.

Boyce was found outside his home next to a shed used as a workshop.

Boyce was taken in critical condition by ambulance to the Queen's Medical Center, said Bryan Cheplic, spokesman for the Emergency Services Department.

Last night, he underwent surgery and was recovering in the intensive care unit and his condition had stabilized, Cheplic said.

Detective Dan Nakasato said Boyce could not be interviewed last night. No weapon was recovered, and police have no suspects or witnesses.

Boyce, a woodworker who owned Damaged Branches, would create koa frames, jewelry boxes and other decorative items and even carve pieces, neighbors said.

Neighbors said Boyce and his wife are quiet neighbors, and his grandchildren and children would sometimes visit and they too are quiet.

A next-door neighbor, who was home in his outdoor patio at the time of the attack, said Boyce was a big man with a big voice befitting a Santa, but did not hear any arguing or Boyce's voice at all.

The neighbor, who asked not to be identified, said Boyce was a nice man who never had trouble.

But about 20 years ago, Boyce was shot and the attacker was never caught, the neighbor said.

After his recovery at Castle Medical Center, Boyce and his wife showed their gratitude by dressing up as Santa and Mrs. Claus, visiting hospital patients during the holidays, which they have continued since.

"I remember him telling me he almost died and got a second chance," said neighbor Dennis Tsunoda. "I know he really values life."