Lahaina Cockfighting Raid Nets 2 Arrests

Maui Now graphic.

Two Maui men were arrested and charged with cruelty to animals following a cockfight raid in Lahaina over the weekend.

Officers with the Maui Police Department’s Vice Division Gambling & Morals Unit broke up the cockfight in the area of Olowalu Road at around 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, 2019.

Police say two men were observed within a crowd each pitting a gamecock that was fitted with a gaff and engaged in a match.

Police identified the two men as 48-year-old Joseph Kahana of Haʻikū and 34-year-old Jesse Laborte of Lahaina. They were both arrested and charged for the offenses of second degree cruelty to animals and possession of a gambling device. Their bail was set at $400 each.

Police say Joseph Kahana was also arrested for an outstanding arrest warrant.