Man Arrested for Alleged Assault of Flight Attendant

Honolulu International Airport, photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Honolulu FBI agents arrested a man yesterday morning after he allegedly struck a female flight attendant aboard a Delta Airlines flight from Tokyo to Honolulu, said FBI authorities.

Sohei Yamanouchi, 65, of Japan was arrested after landing in Honolulu at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Monday, January 9, 2012, aboard Delta flight 608.

The complaint alleges Yamanouchi struck the woman twice–once with an open hand and again with a closed fist, according to Honolulu FBI Special Agent Tom Simon.

“Travelers to Hawaii need to understand that a flight attendant’s primary job is ensure the safety of the passengers,” said Simon.  “They are not your servants, and they are certainly not your punching bags,” he said.

“Flying can be a stressful experience for many people, but there is absolutely no excuse for assaulting flight crew members, as alleged in this complaint,” said Simon.

The flight attendant’s injuries did not require immediate medical attention.  Authorities from the FBI in Honolulu say alcohol intoxication may have been a factor.

The defendant was released pending his next court appearance on January 20, 2012.

Yamanouchi surrendered his passport and has been ordered to remain on Oahu in the interim.