---

Police, Fire, Courts



By Star-Bulletin staff

HONOLULU
HPD arrests 7 of 100-strong crowd in Papakolea

Police arrested a 19-year-old man yesterday in Papakolea after he allegedly threw a beer bottle that struck a police officer.

Police responded to a brawl that involved 20 people at Anianiku and Kapahu streets at 1:30 a.m. When they arrived, police encountered a crowd of more than 100 people.

Police said the crowd turned against them. Officers gave three warnings to the crowd to disperse and leave the area.

During that time the suspect threw a coconut at the officers. He then threw a beer bottle that struck a police officer.

Police said the officer was treated for minor injuries at Straub Clinic & Hospital and released.

Police arrested the 19-year-old man on suspicion of first- degree assault on a law enforcement officer. Six other people between 19 and 25 were also arrested on suspicion of failing to disperse and misdemeanor assault.

Makiki man allegedly assaults woman, 40

An 18-year-old Makiki man was charged after he allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted a 40-year-old woman.

Police identified the man as Nathanial S. Watanabe.

Police said the victim, a Japanese visitor, was walking in the Makiki area on Tuesday morning looking for condominiums that were available for rent when Watanabe approached her.

Watanabe said he had an apartment that was available for rent. Police said he lured the victim to his apartment, slammed the door and attempted to lock her in.

A struggle occurred between the victim and Watanabe before the victim broke free. Police said the 40-year-old sustained some injuries in the struggle.

Police noted that Watanabe sexually assaulted the victim while he was attempting to restrain her.

Watanabe was arrested and charged Saturday for two counts of third-degree sexual assault and kidnapping. He is being held in lieu of $25,000.

Male suspect charged in hijacking, robbery

A 35-year-old man was charged yesterday with first-degree robbery in the Jan. 20 hijacking of a tour van at Kahe Point.

Police identified the suspect as Ricky Kenui and said he was being held on $75,000 bail.

On Jan. 20 a Dolphin Excursions tour van was stolen at Kahe Point on the Waianae Coast with a man and three girls, all 10 and younger, still inside. The Colorado man told police he was threatened at knifepoint before all four visitors were eventually freed along Farrington Highway.

The van was found later that day with almost all of the tour group's belongings missing. Police could not say last night whether they were looking for other suspects in the case, but witnesses said at least one other man may have been involved.