Today, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Pahoa man, 39 year-old Frank William Funes, appeared in Circuit Court yesterday for his arraignment related to an attempted murder and domestic abuse incident which occurred on July 8th in Hawaiian Beaches. Judge Peter Kubota granted defense counsel’s request to reduce Funes’ bail from $527,000 to $150,000 over the objection of Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Lee, who was appearing on behalf of Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Rothfus.
As the Indictment alleges, Funes was charged with Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, and Abuse of a Family or Household Member. Attempted Murder in the Second Degree carries a penalty of a life term with the possibility of parole.
The investigation was handled by Detective Gavin Kagimoto, Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Rothfus.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please go to a safe place and call a trusted friend or relative for support. If you choose, you can phone 911 to report the incident to the police. The Child and Family Service 24-Hour Abuse Hotline has advocates available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support and advocacy and can be reached at (808) 322-7233 in West Hawai’i and (808) 959-8864 in East Hawai’i.