Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
By JOHN BURNETT
Tribune-Herald staff writer
Police are searching for a manslaughter suspect who’s free on bail and his companion for questioning about an alleged assault Wednesday night in Hilo.
A 20-year-old Hilo man reported to police that he was assaulted outside Coqui’s Hideaway restaurant and sports bar shortly before midnight by Waylen Keoni Carenio and Turner Kaimana Au.
According to a written police statement, the alleged victim reportedly told police that Carenio, who is an acquaintance, drove up to him outside the establishment in a light-colored, four-door sedan, possibly an import, and that he got into the car. The man told police that once he was inside the car a second man, identified by police as Au, restrained him, and both Carenio and Au assaulted him.
The victim managed to break free and flee from the car, which was last seen leaving the parking lot onto Kamehameha Avenue.
“The victim sustained minor injuries; he was treated and released at the Hilo Medical Center,” said Lt. Greg Esteban of the police Criminal Investigations Section.
The 21-year-old Carenio, who has competed in amateur mixed martial arts and surf events, was indicted on a manslaughter charge by a Hilo grand jury Jan. 25. Witnesses told police that Carenio was fighting with 44-year-old Roy Williams of Mountain View outside Karma Hawaii sports bar in the early morning hours of Dec. 3, and that Williams fell during the affray and hit his head on the pavement. He died the following day at The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu.
Carenio, who’s last known address was in Waimea, is free on $50,000 bail. According to court records, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest after his indictment with a notice that he’s to be arraigned before Hilo Circuit Judge Glenn Hara upon his arrest. Carenio is also serving two years probation for a domestic abuse conviction, and prosecutors have requested that his probation be revoked.
Carenio is described as 5-foot-7, about 150 pounds with very short brown hair, medium build, fair complexion, brown hair and brown eyes. He has numerous tattoos, including both arms fully tattooed from shoulders to both wrists, “KEONE” in Old English lettering on his abdomen, and “FBI” in cursive on his lower back.
Police say the 24-year-old Au lives in Hilo. He’s described as part-Hawaiian, about 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, with green eyes, medium build and short brown hair that is sometimes dyed blonde. He often wears a mustache and goatee. Au has several tattoos, including a scantily clad female on his back, “Harley Jane” on his left chest, intertwined black strands and a skull on his right forearm, and Polynesian designs on his left forearm.
Au is currently serving five years probation for terroristic threatening and property damage.
Police say both men may be armed and should not be approached. Anyone who sees either man is asked to immediately call 911 or the police non-emergency line at 935-3311.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call Detective Robert Almeida at 961-2386 or email him at ralmeida@co.hawaii.hi.us. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.