Maui police arrest suspect in shocking carjacking of CA couple

Two Maui visitors who were carjacked and robbed at gunpoint had to run, hide and hike for their lives to the top of Haleakalā. Itʻs an ordeal authorities did not reveal publicly until KHON2 started asking questions. Now the victims are speaking out to warn others about danger on Maui.
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[@user-xl7kx7bi3l]

He is known for committing other crimes . Yet he was free to look for more victims. It's the courts that are failing not the police in this case .

[@donnabotelho9969]

So sorry u had to go thru that ordeal God bless u both u got away

[@js1112111]

Liberals are destroying America from within.

[@paraglidingnut26]

Democrat’s on Hawaii don’t want you to be armed. I know folks living on different Hawaiian Islands.

[@JustAParodyOfTheEntBiz]

We gonna ignore the fact that these carjackers are going after victims in groups using drones? I did just hear that, right? How interesting they didn't elobrate on this new kind of modern criminal threat.

[@user-xl7kx7bi3l]

@JustAParodyOfTheEntBiz I agree . I wonder how many other victims there are ? Are any tourists missing ? Definitely, they have done this before . I'm glad the victims survived.. they must have been terrified.

[@darladr1553]

Don’t wrap this up saying the guy was apprehended. He had help! What about the other people that helped. They need to catch them too. This is not a shut case.

[@urs-]

💯💯

[@tonymurray814]

Cops in on the act!!

[@willbass2869]

​@@tonymurray814oh shut up. You have absolutely no info or proof

[@lynnvh5445]

​@@tonymurray814Proof?

[@TheQueenOfDreams]

My thoughts exactly. What about the drivers of the other two vehicles? They conspired with the suspect.

[@mikeuptegrove]

The judges who let him out should also be prosecuted!

[@kaikai1070]

the judge is mayor bissen..

[@mikeuptegrove]

@@kaikai1070 brah, wouldn’t shock me.

[@mylene253]

I agreed with you

[@mikeuptegrove]

@@mylene253 we need to all start demanding government accountability here. No more BS! These government officials never are held accountable for what they perpetually subject us all to, and they always act like their poor leadership is tolerance and virtuous when they let bad people hurt good people, OVER AND OVER AND OVER! Frick we pay enough taxes to jail them! We pay enough taxes and deserve way way better. They freaking at best let Maui burn down claiming complete coincidence of events, and at worst they probably planned it for their masters cause there’s only so many coincidences before it’s part of a greater lie! Nah, we gotta put a stop to these feckless public servants who are constantly doing the state and it’s great people dirty. No more turning the head to their negligence and lack of accountability.

[@rkgsd]

It's the flawed American justice system at it's finest, even in Hawaii.

[@bg710]

christopher helmer was arrested in 2009 at 16 years old for kidnapping a woman with a handgun. in 2016 he assaulted his pregnant girlfriend, and then a few months later choked her out. he went to jail and then got out and smoked meth and then was given a 5 year sentence in 2019, meaning he recently got out. this man should never see the light of day again

[@juneyshu6197]

right

[@Odin33356]

💔

[@svongsa]

That’s scary, I took that same road on my Maui trip years ago no way in hell I’m going back there.

[@bg710]

@@peytonklask the charges against him tell me more than ill ever need to know that he is not a nice person. nice people dont kidnap women and definitely dont beat up their pregnant girlfriends. he is very much the opposite of nice

[@FIGGY65]

@@peytonklask.Your as sharp as a bowling ball and naive as a the day is long. His extensive violent criminal history is public record and speaks for him. That’s all anybody needs to know.

[@ryanstewart1521]

People don’t realize how far these tourists walked to escape death, no water, hypothermic conditions. It’s lucky they survived.

[@DarthVader1977]

They're* lucky

[@user-ch6um1vn8x]

No water, but lucky they drank water from a waterfall and found a cabin with water and other supplies.

[@oahujuniorgolfassociationc6656]

I’m blown away they got up to the observatories.

[@user-ch6um1vn8x]

@@oahujuniorgolfassociationc6656 Fear of your life can make you do extraoardinary things.

[@shaggybreeks]

@@oahujuniorgolfassociationc6656 I find it hard to believe. TOO hard, in fact.

[@user-rm6jr1ef9t]

My name is Oscar and I was in Maui right after the fires Ia Hina and me and my girlfriend now about these first hand, these individuals placed spikes on the road where the dirt road begins and I avoided to puncture my tires but the wires got entangled with the axle, I found a group of guys waiting ahead and the soon as we passed by they started following us, I was concerned because I thought it was a robbery in progress and I sped up and my girlfriend was asking me why and I told her is getting dark and I don't know these place, I was paying attention on the road and they were behind us, everything you said I pictured in my head, running up the hill and abandon the car, thanks God the spikes didn't puncture the tires and I was able to drive out of the situation, I'm glad you're ok those guys are dangerous criminals and that guy is not alone is a gang

[@nightshift5201]

Same thing on Oahu. Don't park at the North Shore or Waimanalo. You'll be robbed of everything in your car. They have a volunteer group who leaves bait cars with video and GPS but all it does is piss off the police because these local arseholes are immediately released. My buddy's car was stolen right in front of his house so he started chasing them with his neighbour and the 911 dispatcher said break it off, it's too dangerous. They said they would do that when the cops intercept them. The dispatcher said, "No assault, no chase. Stop now or you will be charged with reckless driving." That's Hawaii.

[@MikePhoTravelVlogs]

🫣🫣🫣😱😱😱🥲🥲🥲🥲 So sad and scary

[@jenivettebigham7060]

Exactly. You treat Hawaii like you would any other country or hood lol imo. Don't be out during night time in areas you don't know.

[@graverobbersministry8939]

The guys accomplices are just as dangerous, why weren’t they arrested too?

[@alexcarter8807]

'Cause, locals brah!

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

Because they didn’t commit a crime. What crime are you accusing them of? Driving on a road? Talking to a criminal? Flying a drone? How does that make them “just as dangerous”?! Just because the obvious suspicion is that they were going to help find and “unalive” the victims, that doesn’t mean they can be charged with anything. You’d have to prove they knew what the assailant had done and were helping to find them for the intention to harm them.

[@72marshflower15]

Locals are racist asf..

[@Sharyk808]

@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom. Sadly true unless there’s a plea deal. Even that’s may not be enough.

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

@@Sharyk808 Yeah, unfortunately the best they can be charged with is conspiracy to commit a crime, but that would require proof that they intended to commit a crime, which as far as I know, there’s no actual evidence of. They could just say they were recreationally testing their drone or they could say the assailant told them there were tourists lost up on Haleakalā and they were just trying to help find them to see if they needed help. Really, unless one of them tattles on themselves, there’s nothing to charge them with.

[@user-yl2ke5tv1f]

My wife and I were on a Maui dream vacation many years ago, pre cell phone days, driving around the west side, Napili to Kahalui. Thinking we were safe, pulled off to go look at sea turtles. We came back to a vandalized rental car with valuables taken. By the time we got to police, our charge cards were also stolen and used to charge up hundreds. Do not get lulled into false feeling of security at what could be a robbers roost. Tourists are extremely vulnerable in remote areas, sadly even beautiful places like Maui. We won't be returning. Ever.

[@420saralou]

I'm sorry that happened to you. I'm planning a vacation there next March. Maui is my happy place and I want to live there some day. Crime happens everywhere. Pretty sure it happens where you live too.

[@user-pe2cm3gq5d]

Saralou…Future Maui victim. I suggest you do more research.

[@gboates]

First trip to Maui in 1984 and racked up a total of two years living there until my luck ran out and I was robbed. Went back with my family once after that - didn't feel the same. Not going back ever again. And you all must know there is an"special" relationship between local criminals and the police... that's for sure.

[@420saralou]

@@user-pe2cm3gq5d you can be a victim anywhere. Crime happens everywhere. So that means we can't go anywhere, live anywhere? You going to move every time a crime happens in your neighborhood? That seems extreme and expensive. Also ludicrous. And unrealistic.

[@Sharyk808]

People put their guard down on vacation. Hawaii crimes is raising just like everywhere else.

[@user-pe2cm3gq5d]

Lmao! “The successful capture and arrest…blah, blah, blah, is a testament to the dedication and unwavering commitment to upholding justice…” The islands are littered with repeat offenders! The justice system is in disrepair.

[@makuakanenui2385]

it took them a week to find a stolen mustang on an island and they're patting themselves on the back. so shame.

[@noahmarley7997]

The scary part is that this only story we hear how many more we dont

[@HawaiiSustainable]

Exactly he realized he made the mistake of letting them go instead of just being classified as more missing persons the state hates to scare tourists with reality of country living here they tried to bury this story.

[@benjamin48th]

Seem like easy victims too me

[@dawntreader7079]

@@HawaiiSustainable i was stoked to finally realize a dream and visit hawaii to surf and travel and i was shocked by the crime and hostility i experienced in the rural areas, the drug scene in the cities, as well as being vibed and insulted at practically every break i went to. mahalo shaka aloha........ bs.

[@ryanstewart1521]

Exactly, they don’t want to scare all the tourists away with the truth. Murders happen all the time on Maui.

[@terrysaunders2026]

I spent some time there in the military. There is a side to the locals that fly in the face of Hawaii as a good, safe place for outsiders, including vacationers. The stories don’t get widespread attention. I’ll never go back.

[@katewoolf6059]

He is so dangerous & should never be freed

[@marcyulep_souza2237]

Born and raised on Maui, and I am disgusted that this horrible person inhabits my beautiful island home. I am so sorry that this happened to you both.

[@arlinearzuca1479]

Visitors must punish you, travel some safe place

[@FYMASMD]

Same but luckily for me I don’t have to mingle with tourists at all.

[@doubledown8229]

Free Hawaii

[@SittingBearProd]

@@FYMASMDyes because these tourists are the problem in Maui 🥴

[@Wyldengel]

@@SittingBearProd Why do you say the tourists are the problem?

[@halemawae6560]

The cops knew exactly who he was… that tells you everything right there… adventure tourism 💥✅🤦🏽‍♂️

[@c2hawaii]

So they got the one guy but there were at least 3 vehicles and other people helping him... MPD shouldn't be patting themselves on the back and reassuring residents and tourists they're safe, until they have all in custody.

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

What crime did the other allegedly commit?! They weren’t there for the robbery, they didn’t have a weapon on them, the victims didn’t even see them or vice versa.

[@lemontea128]

@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdomhow do you know they didn’t have any weapons on them. Even though they weren’t in on the robbery, they were there helping someone, the suspect , search for them. 3:55 & 4:28 The victims saw all of them pacing the same stretch of road as stated in the video. That tells you they didn’t have good intentions. If they had spotted the victims, god knows what they would have done to them.

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

@@lemontea128 You have to understand the the law doesn’t care about suspicions, it only cares about what you can prove beyond a reasonable doubt. So…. _”How do you know they didn’t have any weapons on them”_ … how can you PROVE they did? _”They were there helping someone, the suspect, search for them”_ … how are you going to PROVE that’s exactly the purpose they were there for? _”The victims saw all of them pacing the same stretch of road”_ … When did pacing a road with someone become a crime? Even if it’s a criminal, that’s still not a crime unless you’re both on probation. How does pacing a road with someone PROVE you are there helping them search for someone to do them harm? _”That tells you they didn’t have good intentions”_ … No actually, it doesn’t tell you anything, it only makes you suspicious of their intentions. _”If they spotted the victims, God knows what they would have done to them”_ … are you God? If God knows & you’re not God, then how would YOU know? The fact is your wording alone speaks volumes… “if” they found them… “would have” done to them… both “if” and “would have” in and of itself means nothing happened. So what are you intending to charge them with? Even IF these other guys actually committed a crime, this would all be circumstantial evidence at best. But since no crime was actually committed by them, there’s nothing to charge them with.

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

@@lemontea128 The best you could hope for, is getting them to admit they were there with the intention to commit a crime, before they obtain a lawyer, and even in that scenario where they ADMIT to intending to commit a crime, the most you could charge them with, AFTER admitting to intending to commit a crime, but not ACTUALLY committing the crime, is conspiracy to commit a crime. And if that happened, they most likely would cop a deal to plead out and be released in exchange for testifying against the main guy. But once a lawyer showed up, their lawyer would advise them to shut their mouths and not say a word because there’s no evidence to charge them with anything and they’d be released. The actual assailant, will likely only be charged with aggravated robbery. Robbery because he robbed them & aggravated because there was a weapon involved. Additionally since he’s an ex con he can be charged with having the weapon. Additional to that IF one of the other people admit to conspiring and make a deal and plead out in exchange for testifying against the main assailant, he may have an additional charge of conspiracy tacked on… what crime he’s charged with conspiring in depends on what they admit to have been conspiring to do. But this last charge is extremely unlikely, unless these other guys who came are complete and total bozos. 🥴😵‍💫🤤🤡 What can actually be PROVEN with these other guys?! IF they’re smart, they’ll say they came there to test their drone and weren’t trying to help the guy find the couple OR they’ll say the guy told them there was a couple lost up on Haleakalā and they were just trying to help find them to make sure they were ok. A defense attorney would argue that the couple couldn’t have known what the other guys were there for, they have no idea and can’t be trusted with their suspicions because they were tired, dehydrated, hiking up a very tall volcano, only wearing swimsuits and slippers, so they could have been near hypothermia, they had just gone through a harrowing experience and even admitted to being suspicious of innocent ranchers who were just going about their day. 🤷🏽‍♀️ The entire prosecution for these other guys is dependent on these guys admitting to a crime or snitching on one another…. could happen, but unlikely.

[@createinmeacleanheartohgod6871]

@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom Criminal apologist spotted. Are you one of the accomplices?/

[@jpconnect4015]

He's drug buddies are still out there and still as dangerous...they will be still another victim at some point in time...

[@dabda8510]

Yup those 2 other cars helping with the search. For sure.

[@nrakma]

Total BS from Maui Prosecutors. The first thing they will do is Plea Bargain away the most serious charges. This Violent Gun Shooting Attempted Murderer, will be free way too soon. But why did Maui Police Chief John Pelletier hide this crime from us. WTF? Why is that loser still employed? I guess that 102 deaths is not quite enough to fire him and our esteemed Fire Chief. I drove that road two weeks ago with my wife and I would have liked to know about this crime. WTF?

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

That’s not attempted murder. In order to be attempted murder, 1) The assailant would have to have intentionally planned or intentionally set out, to murder one or both if them. Which he didn’t, he let them go. *AND* 2) One or both of the victims would have to have sustained life threatening injuries from the assailant. He robbed them, so it’s robbery, but the addition of a firearm makes it aggravated robbery. Which is a felony, but nowhere near as severe as attempted murder. You can’t prove he was looking for them to murder them, so you can’t prove intent to murder (unless he’s dumb enough to tell them that’s what he was doing). The law only cares about what you can prove, not what you suspect.

[@yukonjack.]

Maui's Democrat run, just look at the rest of the country with Democrats in charge. Then watch the presidential debate.

[@Sharyk808]

@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom. Firing his gun.

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

@@Sharyk808 They said he fired his gun into the air, not at them.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom Ohhh that makes it better LOL

[@riverruninn]

The state of Hawaii covered this crime up

[@gazoo-pl4nx]

along with lahaina

[@blackbird4046]

That's attempted murder of witnesses.

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

No it’s not. In order to be attempted murder, the assailant would have to have ATTEMPTED to MURDER them. Meaning he would have to have planned to murder them (extremely hard to prove on its own, essentially impossible to prove since he let them go after the robbery) AND one or both of the victims would have to have sustained life threatening injuries from the assailant.

[@72marshflower15]

Seems like the Locals are getting out of hand and need to be checked..

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

@@72marshflower15 Tag, you’re it. Let us know how “checking the locals” goes.

[@72marshflower15]

@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom give the land back to the ManaHune..

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

@@72marshflower15 We ARE the manahune. Manahune is a Tahitian word, it’s where the Hawaiian word “Menehune” came from. Marquesans like Hawaiians, are actually Tahitians. The islands were uninhabited prior to us.

[@letsgobrandon1719]

Meanwhile Maui prohibits concealed carry but kidnappers, rapists, murderers and drug dealers are free to roam with loaded guns. Does this make any sense?

[@Leadership_matters]

Yes

[@aslkdjfzxcv9779]

makes total sense. get off your knees

[@tynao2029]

@@aslkdjfzxcv9779 if you support crime it does

[@rileypup5959]

Hawaii Supreme Court ruled in February 2024, that the Aloha Spirit supersedes the US Constitution and the 2nd Amendment.

[@canufi6my]

Perfect sense when half of the PD are relatives of the criminals!

[@MrSlantwise]

The phone records pinging the towers should tell the police who was in that area at that time. Prolly not many people. Look into that, MPD!

[@lesliepropheter5040]

You know they were texting each other in order to meet up. The cops keep things quiet so as not to ‘warn’ the perps

[@stevenr8606]

Maybe the cops were eating 🍩 🍩 DONUTS. 🤔 💡nah, it was Malasadas.

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

That would be a waste of time and resources, the other person didn’t commit any crime, so he or she can’t be charged.

[@huh4233]

@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom Usually this type of bringing in first person knowledge is to build a case. Obviously you have never been hunted by other humans. It is still illegal to commit perjury when being questioned about an alleged crime. If I was hunted as these people allege, I would want the full force of government there to protect me employed to prevent this from happening.

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

@@huh4233 “Hunted” 🤭 is THEIR interpretation of the events, an interpretation that the police don’t appear to agree with because they aren’t charging him with anything even remotely related to “hunting” them. _”Obviously you have never been hunted by other humans”_ you about took me out with that 😂🤣😂🤣😂… as if you have… but interestingly enough, I actually have.

[@felixlujan4809]

Hunting people like animals! Who does that? Seems like they have done this crime before. They should arrest his accomplices too they are just as dangerous as he is. Sad!

[@christophercabrera1096]

Freaking Christopher helmer making my name look bad brah. This guy belongs in jail in the mainland and see how tuff he really is…

[@joeg5414]

hey at least you don't share a name with Biden

[@pagosa1040]

Some tough tourists. Kudos to them for not giving up.

[@DjCopywrite]

What about the 2 other cars? Did he own a drone? There are so many questions they aren't answering

[@fremontpathfinder8463]

They gave him low bail. Ridiculous

[@user-rh8fl8qz2z]

"Shocking" only to the ignorant. Crime continues to escalate as sentencing remains LENIENT. Predictable outcomes right? NOT shocking.

[@maxangeles6279]

what about the other suspects??????????????? the other accomplices involved???? were they arrested yet?????????????

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

Arrested for what? What crime did they commit?

[@lovely-mk4rt]

@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdomstop saying the same thing. You know something. You need to be looked at by police!

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

@@lovely-mk4rt Why would I stop sharing my opinion because YOU told me to?! You’re nobody, dear, certainly no one important enough to tell me what to do. You’re welcome to report me to police, unlike you I know the law, I’m not afraid, you’re just going to make yourself look foolish twice… here and to the police. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@everythingisfine9988]

​@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom aiding and abetting

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

@@everythingisfine9988 What crime did they aid and abet in? And what proof do you have to back that claim?

[@starshine3588]

It’s absolutely disgusting that he had kidnapped before…yet they allowed him to be free to hunt down and try to kidnap or kill these people. The leaders and lawmakers and judges of that state should be held accountable for allowing bad people to continue to harm others over and over again.

[@projectcontractors]

Crime isn’t down, just reporting crime is down.

[@Ontheroxxwithsalt]

Yup, thanks to Obama's "restorative justice"

[@user-oy8to8oe8m]

Mayor Bissen needs to make sure this jackass is prosecuted to the fullest extent

[@Lelabear]

He was the judge that let this criminal back on the streets.

[@Teresa-jj5mo]

@@Lelabearwrong !

[@Lelabear]

@@Teresa-jj5mo Am I? I've seen quite a few references to Bissen being the judge who let this guy off. If this is incorrect I want to know, don't want to spread false info.

[@csmith320]

The back road is not for people who don't live back there at night.

[@csmith320]

Meaning like kahikinui or Hana or kula or.used to the road and the dangers.

[@kookietherapy9398]

Oprah should go the back way.

[@hr5331]

Sounds like they were set up from the start, being told to go there. And who are these other 2 drivers? 3:50 2 more criminals minimum on the loose and those other 2 vehicles could've had passengers.

[@spang9782]

Agree! All those "locals" who told them it's better to go through the gate, everyone uses it, and it's a shorter route. That seems like a trap in retrospect. MPD should bring in those people for questioning.

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

How are the others criminals? What crime did them commit? Legally speaking, you’re the one committing a crime, you’re committing libel (written defamation) against those people.

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

@@spang9782 Question them?! Do you expect them to say “yeah, we got together and planned the whole thing” ?! They didn’t commit a crime. What would they be charged with?! Telling tourists to take a shortcut they asked about?

[@spang9782]

@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom Oh I''m sorry red shirt.

[@hr5331]

@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom ohh sounded like they were assisting the main suspect. Unless the main suspect also flew the drone.

[@abelincoln3261]

Pay attention... please... folks... do not stop in this situation, period... flip your car around... do not get out do not try to figure out what to do.. just get out away .. fast... do not worry about stop signs or speeding just get away... never ever put your window down or unlock your doors or stop or get out... period....always assume the worse.. get away get out do it fast... period.. and if you do not know a road is complete.. safe... and open do not take it period no acceptations... This is terrible it also could have been worse,, an avoided...

[@bernardmauge8613]

and have a nice and relaxed vacation

[@ledwallet1944]

This comes from a state that it is virtually impossible to carry a gun for self defence but the criminals have plenty of them.

[@LilyGazou]

It’s common to have rental cars broken into - they tell you not to leave anything valuable in the car anywhere, especially at the beaches and trailheads. Some locals think of it as shopping, that tourists can afford to be robbed. But carjacking like this is a step beyond.

[@-sensibleChris]

Most people that go there are hard working people that may only go once in a lifetime. The locals GET TO LIVE THEIR, and they still manage to be miserable and jealous of people they don't even know.

[@terripebsworth9623]

So much for the famous Hawaiian hospitality. I won't be booking a holiday there, esp. with so many homeless Californian meth heads being given one-way tickets there.

[@deb6828]

It’s amazing how there are people like him who get less prison time than people who commit much less serious crimes but get long prison sentences. This man should be in prison for life..

[@_JanetLouise]

wow laulau ... terrifying! .... oh, and I just love the way the authorities brag about how they are doing their job so well and this guy, a known offender, was still out and about .... the revolving door of Hawaii's 'justice' system .... so bad ... so much bs.

[@mapusisoa1372]

I remember way back we took kaupo side after a day out in Hana, there was a group of guys blocking the road, we pass by roll down windows, throw shaka, we local so we get the pass, later on we hear about tourists getting stopped by a group around that same day we went, they got car jacked, and had to walk all the way to country. Beware, kaupo boys no play, that’s why it’s no man’s land out there

[@brettm8970]

The judge will just make him say sorry and let him go.

[@Ontheroxxwithsalt]

It's prolly his nephew

[@josephgiri2398]

I lived on Maui 6 years on the North Shore. I'm glad this incident came to light because they often suppress the real story there. Many people go missing on Maui, there's a long list of them.. Many people drown there every year too. These guys get away w so much because they literally are often related to the cops. There is a whole lot more crime than people realize and a very large underworld. The drug use and alcoholism rate is off the chart and so is the incidence of domestic abuse cases. Yes there are some very nice, cool people there, but I chastised many a naive tourist that "this is not paradise" and that you must be careful.

[@-sensibleChris]

How sorry does a person have to be, to make themselves miserable in such a beautiful place. Anyone that wants a life of crime, and can't appreciate the beauty of Hawaiishould move to Chicago, or LA, or pick any big city where that kind of evil thrives. Hawaii should not be tainted like that and locals should police their own better and correct them when they are on the wrong path. Stop teaching your kids to hate, and be entitled to hate Mainlanders.

[@sarahtiferet598]

@@-sensibleChris LOL! Not only does your comment make no sense . It's hypocritical , ignorant and shallow. Although I live in a rural community. To tell someone to " stop teaching your kids to hate " yet you generalize about Big cities where " evil thrives " is the kind of comment a Troll would make Poor thing

[@dr.tobiasgoodfellow5174]

I’ve never been to Hawaii, but I understand the native population hold very racist views toward white people.

[@josephgiri2398]

@@dr.tobiasgoodfellow5174 Not all of them but many, and I don't blame them. The U.S. literally stole Hawaii, corporations took all the farm land to raise sugar cane and tried to enslave the natives.. They've been through a lot. Now it's super expensive because millionaires buy up all the real-estate for second homes, and price the natives out of housing, etc etc.

[@josephgiri2398]

@@-sensibleChris You have to study the history of Hawaii to understand. The U.S. stole hawaii, took all the farmland, tried to enslave the locals, bought up all the real estate, priced the locals out of home ownership..The island is over run w entitled tourists. I empathize with the locals, many are very cool, but there are many who are not.

[@darindooley4509]

This guy probably has a cousin that is a cop. A lot of the locals, do not like mainlanders. Don’t ever leave your stuff unattended on the beach either.

[@lyndagibson9699]

Don’t ever go on vacation to some gorgeous place and think you are safe. Criminals are everywhere. We went snorkeling in St Maarten. Returned to find our car vandalized and all personal items stolen and then the criminal Al’s returned my empty purse to the hotel where we were staying. There was nothing in my purse to let them know where we were staying. That means they were following us. Very chilling

[@extreadhead55]

They were probably driving one of those Mustang convertibles that they rent on Maui to the tourists that makes you a target... I know! btw, the police are crooked , also....

[@richardnassano623]

You don’t want to go all the way around, they don’t like the How o leis over there. Can’t wait to hear the sentence, did they mention his record? Bet he is past the 3rd strike.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

I've gone around there a few times. You just have to know what you're doing and watch your six at all times. Definitely would not go around there at night.

[@larryfisher7056]

Im so over hawaii. Been there many times in the past. All islands, but the racism is out of control and they don't act like they want tourists anymore and so I'll obblige. Too many other destinations.

[@Ontheroxxwithsalt]

Key West is gorgeous and just a short flight away. And they ACTUALLY love their tourists. Key West police don't play with nonsense.

[@808frost3]

Ever wonder why?

[@larryfisher7056]

​@@808frost3why what?

[@808frost3]

@@larryfisher7056 why the "racism" and anti tourist sentiment

[@larryfisher7056]

@@808frost3 bad math?

[@kh0034]

This doesn't sound real. That this happened here in Hawaii? If they also caught the others who were helping this criminal, then I would agree that the public was safe.

[@kh0034]

🫤goodbye ​@MultimediaM-mu9vf

[@johnrobinson9711]

Gotta look out for family ​@MultimediaM-mu9vf

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

And charge them with what exactly? Driving on a road? Talking to a criminal? Flying a drone?

[@kh0034]

​@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom if other people are involved, then the public isn't really safe.

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

@@kh0034 If agree… but how can you prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the other guys are involved and conspired to aid the assailant in committing a crime against the couple? What crime did they actually commit? Driving a car? Flying a drone? Those things are not a crimes. They never actually did anything to the couple. They never even saw the couple or vice versa. At best, if you could get them to admit to it (because there’s no proof otherwise), they could be tried for conspiracy to commit a crime… then most likely get a deal, plead out in exchange for testifying against the main guy and be released.

[@808_babyj]

He got arrested but what about the other vehicles that showed up

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

What crime did they commit?

[@rocket9580]

@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom duh...

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

@@rocket9580 “Duh” is not a crime… try again… put some thought into it if it doesn’t hurt your brain too much.

[@rocket9580]

@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom duh..

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

@@rocket9580 You’ve got a bit of drool… or something 😏… on the corner of your mouth, dear. 🤤

[@elsiesmith1771]

Back in 1979 Honeymoon from Vancouver Canada. Hubby and I stopped at a beach area to spend a few hours. Got back and rental car was broken into - Nikon Camera (we hid under the seat!) and other items stolen. Thieves were monitoring the tourist parking lot. We got suckered! 1979. Sadly sounds like 2024 isn't much different.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

Cars get broken into on all of the islands. The thieves monitor the parking lots and the trailheads. I've seen broken glass on the road beside many areas where there are trailheads. It's just a thing in hawaii. The thieves drive around in their shit box cars and trucks and check out the best looking cars to break into and smash the windows and that's about all there is to it.

[@CalifaJohn1]

They'll let him go. That's why he has all these other charges. He's been doing this kind of thing repeatedly and every time they let him go.

[@QuantumOfSolace1]

Maui people asking for help and Aloha and one of their own goes and does this to tourist - sad sad day! Robbed by Locals !

[@808frost3]

😂😂😂😂

[@kkawai7]

Maybe this can serve as fodder for a sequel to the movie “Deliverance”. They can name it “Deliverance 2: Hawaii No Ka O Here”

[@-sensibleChris]

Why in the hell was this man out of jail? And why haven't authorities identified and arrested the cab druver accomplice.

[@trumpetmano]

So sad that robbing Tourists is still a 'job' in Hawaii after so many years....

[@kookietherapy9398]

You either work 3 jobs or cheat at everything.

[@donhinchey2292]

Black eye for Maui ! Never had an issue in 20 visits !

[@BananaJSSI]

Been to Hawai'i 26 times now married on two different islands and never have had a problem. Aloha

[@user-pe2cm3gq5d]

“Never had a problem” Try living here. A one or two week vacation at a resort is not the norm in everyday kaimana life. The islands are rife with criminals, homeless, and corrupt officials. I leave next month and hope never to return.

[@BananaJSSI]

@@user-pe2cm3gq5d We always stay for over a month and I know there are sketchy areas that one should avoid. I don't stay in a resort and I prefer to go off the beaten path. Go to Vancouver same thing, druggies, criminal and lots of street people in certain areas that should be avoided by tourists.

[@HawaiiSustainable]

There’s people who visit Detroit, Chicago, Mogadishu etc hundreds of times without incident as well some people are just lucky.

[@BananaJSSI]

@@HawaiiSustainable That's right. I have been all over O'ahu many times as well as Maui, never had a problem. My cousin lived there. You can get shanked walking in a bad district of Vancouver

[@dr.tobiasgoodfellow5174]

What makes no sense to me is why was he hunting them. He had already taken all their valuables and had them under gun point before telling them to start walking. Something doesn’t add up.

[@LarsLarsen77]

They're witnesses. The fact that they got away is why he got arrested. How do you not understand this?

[@tony9146]

He’s a racist and wanted to get rid of witnesses.

[@bigbadbubba099]

How do they allow these monster criminals out over and over to run around free to do whatever 😢

[@jonathanjones6072]

I have taken that road several times while on vacation. Car renters say not to so just don't break down there and pay big time fees. Never cross my mind the family could meet this fate. Maui was heaven on earth then people showed up.

[@3v3y]

Good old Hawaiian hospitality

[@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom]

Who said he’s Hawaiian?

[@jusbamathy1355]

😨Thats pretty horrifying. Druggies and Mento heads no pono ☹

[@BenAvodot]

As if Maui needs any bad press. Lock him up for good!

[@matthuber9936]

Wow, that is quite the Hawaiian adventure - Glad you guys are okay!!!

[@savannahm.laurentian1286]

One of the best things about a vacay is forgetting your worries for just a bit. E hana pono. Thuggery on Maui. Impossible.😢🌊🌴🌴

[@m.aulanihammond9925]

What about the others that were hunting them?

[@m8sm8s74]

Stay where tourist go. If you want to venture out get a local friend or guide who knows the area.

[@Dyyll]

Our Boy Scout troop was literally supposed to start biking on that highway from Hana that morning, when we went to the bridge, it was blocked so we turned back and biked the other way. Jesus christ.

[@livedeliciously]

Kaupo way at night is nuts. Absolutely isolated.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

Weird vibes in there at any time of the day. Been there many times.

[@MrsIda]

What about the other two criminals?

[@juneyshu6197]

Upcountry Maui was paradise in 2000.

[@cc8kk]

Book ‘em, Dano.

[@JasonBrinkley-ef4zg]

I can't be the only one who thinks this was more than just a simple carjacking. This seemed really well organized and there were more than just this guy involved although he was the only one arrested. They let them get a head start and then hunted them with drones!? I wonder how many other people went through this but were unable to make it to safety.

[@lynsiebahlhorn2472]

What is happening in America. So much crime. Criminals are released to do it again. I am so happy they are safe.

[@JDog-lz2wh]

Meth

[@rajg7037]

Looks like on a small island everybody is related including the police😂😂😂😂 and looks like the police wants to make it looks like something was done. That's why one out many suspects were arrested and now its all good.

[@ManyfiresWoman]

Their story sounds similar to a friend's experience in Mexico. They paid a cab driver to take them from Mexico City to another resort town. The cab driver drives on a deserted road where outlaws are waiting for them and robs them, leaving them near a small town they can walk to. So Travelers be wary. That rental car could be a company of thieves waiting to rob you.

[@dandydoodigery9854]

This story sounds crazy! These guys should write a book

[@pcatful]

Incredible hike up Haleakala.

[@seer1]

Clearly a criminal without a Brain or conscience. As if he would be allowed to drive around freely unnoticed in a Mustang Convertible Rental Car and not attract attention. Exactly why he was first suspected as the primary offender and other known associates .👀😳

[@CheeseLayong]

Drug addicts

[@Anon1mous]

The commonality in all these type cases: The perp was well known to police and the system but kept getting let out of jail crime after crime.

[@theresewheeler1498]

It’s unreal .. where is the Aloha! It’s terrifying . So sad this kinda horrifying story

[@T_maktown]

Sorry this happened to them shame shame on the local men that did this.. thank ke akua they were not killed I know this road well my mom was born in Kaupo church and I went to Hana High back in the day they would have problems with hippies but this is being hunted down next level spooky This could be a movie to shop for these brave survivors Not everyone is like that these bad apples mountain apples gotta spend time behind bars

[@Sora_Digital]

Sound like something out of a movie! what a nightmare, I've been to Maui 10 times in the past 12 years and never had any issues, I would never think there would be this kind of crime there. I'm happy the caught him and hope they keep him locked up for a very long time!

[@kimberlybegonia2869]

Glad I visited about 25 years ago and The Road to Hanna led to The Seven Sacred Pools! That hike thru a Bamboo Forest was one of my most memorable experiences!! Tourists beware, especially in a convertible Mustang 😮

[@Lilcurious1]

Everyone's acting like it's safe to go back into the water, but with only one of multiple suspects arrested, there's still a couple car loads of bad guys hiding out there that haven't been caught yet and they're just as dangerous to white residents and tourist. As a recent former Maui resident, I can attest to the fact that these locals are very dangerous, whereby I've been bullied and threatened as well. I wouldn't consider vacationing on Maui anymore if I were you.

[@antelopebuster5432]

its time to cancel Hawaii

[@Super_Flea]

I would never go to Hawaii this is common .

[@nancychace8619]

Glad this story had a happy ending and they caught the perpetrator. Pretty nasty, could have been much worse. Hope they can catch up with this guy's helpers, too. Stay safe, Ms. Pele 🗻💟🏝🕊

[@paulforder591]

Why would he hunt them after stealing their valuables? Only a psycho would act that way. This couple was lucky that they got away and found help. Quite a harrowing ordeal. 🙀🙀🙀

[@kevinallen6197]

There's shady people on the islands. People are very naive. I was almost robbed on Oahu. 2 shady guys all methed up. Don't ever let your guard down ever.

[@napili5470]

The LOLOS of Hawaii. Getting worse. When I lived on the Big Island there were lolos but pretty much harmless, just Pakalolo lolos and such.

[@tahoe4beauty]

What a absolute terrifying encounter, I was glued to the retelling of all you two went through as I know the terrain you were in. Stephen King should be taking notes..the drone with a search light... climbing the 10,000 volcanic rugged mountain at night in swimwear, hearing the gunshot. 48 hours, or some other crime show would would pay to reenact this. There is no doubt...WOW!!! Thank God you both survived. ✍)))

[@youropionmattersnot]

Pro tip. Stay away from the back country of Hawaii.

[@bernardmauge8613]

Why was he not in jail in the first place?

[@johnrobinson9711]

What company does the Taxi work for, be safe and dont ride with locals.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

Shouldn't be hard to find out who is in that taxi way the hell down in that area.

Who helped that guy with drone ?

[@madjack9698]

what kind of BS statement are the municipal people making? this criminal and those who helped him should be in jail forever! WTH??????? it is miraculous this couple survived

[@paanne1013]

I lived in Hawaii from 1995 to 1999...crime was bad then, it seems to have gotten worse. Glad I don't live there anymore and I am surprised people still go there for vacations. I actually talked someone out of coming there for a vacation...told her to see the National Parks on the Mailand instead, much safer.

[@OpinionatedPirck]

“We were told” is another way of saying “we trusted strangers”

[@niloo_atribecalledlove]

When I went to Kauai IN 2008 I was told by locals to NEVER go to the north side of the island because locals would not take it well. I was WARNED to stay away out of respect. I did not dare to go.

[@BlackTapeArtisan-oo4bz]

You’re probably thinking the western part of the island. The north side has some of the biggest attractions in Kauai eg hanalei

[@leonduan2276]

Going to Maui feels like visiting Oakland, CA. Good luck!

[@lesliepropheter5040]

Great story, WoW, sorry you guys had to go through this, nightmares and PTSD - Alfred Hitchcock