KONA COUNTY —A Kansas man is in police custody in Hawaii after an alleged stabbing aboard a fishing boat off Hawai‘i’s Kona coast.
Just before 3:30p.m. on Thursday, Kona patrol officers responded to the Honokōhau Harbor where a fishing vessel was returning from sea with the victim and suspect of a stabbing incident onboard, according to Hawai‘i Island police.
Upon arrival it was reported that the captain of the boat, a 62-year-old man, was attacked with a filet knife by the suspect, 21-year-old Avery Nissen of Overland Park, Kansas, while on a three-hour snorkel tour. Other passengers onboard the vessel intervened and restrained Nissen. The motive for the attack is unknown.
The victim sustained a stab wound to the lower abdomen and numerous knife cuts to the head and hands. He was transported to Kona Community Hospital where he remains in stable condition.
On April 17, after conferring with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Nissen was charged with Second degree attempted murder, First degree assault and second degree assault.
Nissen's total bail was set at $1,570,000. Nissen’s initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday, April 20, in Kona District Court.