Police hunting group
By Rod Ohira
of men in slaying near
Circuit Court
Star-BulletinPolice are looking today for a group of men responsible for stabbing Edwin Iwata to death and dumping his body on the lawn of Circuit Court.
Iwata, described by co-workers as a "gentle giant," was found in front of the court building on Punchbowl and Halekauwila streets at 4:20 a.m. yesterday with his pants pulled halfway down.
Several men may have been involved in the attack on the 57-year-old Circuit Court janitor, said homicide Lt. Allen Napoleon.
Napoleon confirmed there were multiple stab wounds but refused comment on whether the body was mutilated or gambling debts may have been a motive.
Janitor Margaret Yasukawa said Iwata was a helpful co-worker. When he saw they needed help with their work, she said, he always offered to help."
She added that Iwata had no family.
Iwata, who had been a Judiciary employee since 1988, regularly rode the bus to work from Kokea Street in Kapalama and walked to Circuit Court from King Street.Police are investigating reports that there were two vehicles parked at 4:15 a.m. near the scene of the attack.
One of the vehicles was an older model, beige compact car, possibly a Datsun or Nissan, with a rust spot near the right front headlight.
Four people were in the car -- two in the front seat and two in the back, Napoleon said. Police yesterday released a sketch of the car's driver, a man with shoulder-length hair and a long mustache.
A sports utility vehicle, possibly a Chevy Blazer, with two occupants was also at the scene.
Napoleon added that a possible suspect was seen walking across Halekauwila Street. The man was wearing a short-sleeve, dark-checkered flannel shirt and black jeans.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance videotapes from the Circuit and federal court buildings for leads, Napoleon said.
Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300.
