Four Fishermen Charged for Alleged Confrontation in Molokaʻi Waters

DLNR enforcement patrol file photo. Maui Now graphics.

By Maui Now Staff

Four Molokaʻi men were arrested and charged for their alleged involvement in a confrontation between two groups of fishermen in Molokaʻi waters earlier this year.

All were indicted by a grand jury and were charged in connection with the May 2014 incident in which they are accused of illegally boarding a vessel in state waters.

Among those arrested on Nov. 25, 2014, were: Albert K. Dudoit, Jr., 27; Robin W. Dudoit, 57; Floyd Kumukoa Kapuna, 31; and Kaiula K. English, 28.

State officials say all four were charged with two counts second degree robbery, unauthorized entry into a motor vessel, first degree terroristic threatening, and harassment.

All were released after posting $50,000 bail each.

Officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement say the four men will face arraignment and hearings in Maui Circuit Court later this month.

“DOCARE officers have worked very hard to make this case because when there are people willing to come forward and there is sufficient evidence to show a criminal action is being perpetrated on citizens, we will take action,” said Randy K. Awo, recently retired DOCARE Chief in an agency press release.

DLNR chair, William Aila Jr. also commented saying, “We are willing to work with any community that wants to forge a proactive partnership with DLNR to ensure public safety, access, and lawful behavior concerning the natural resources of Hawaiʻi.  We will not tolerate community involvement in unlawful criminal behavior.”

Since the incident, authorities seized the vessel allegedly used by the four men, and transported it to Maui with the assistance of a US Coast Guard C-130 aircraft.

Kaiula K. ENGLISH. Photo courtesy Maui Police.

Floyd KAPUNI. Photo courtesy Maui Police.

Robin W. DUDOIT. Photo courtesy Maui Police.

Albert DUDOIT Jr. Photo courtesy Maui Police.

DLNR enforcement patrol, courtesy file photo. Maui Now graphics.