Two Paauilo men arrested, charged after Hamakua shooting leaves man with gunshot wound to head

HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hawaii Island police have arrested and charged two Paauilo men in connection with an attempted murder investigation stemming from a shooting in the Hamakua district on Thursday.

On Friday, at 11:51 a.m., officers responded to North Hawaii Community Hospital after a 37-year-old man sought treatment for a gunshot wound to the head. The victim reported that he had been shot the previous evening, while on a property in Paauilo.

Detectives assumed the investigation and subsequently executed search warrants related to the incident. During the investigation, detectives recovered a loaded .22-caliber firearm, unspent .22-caliber ammunition, several spent .22-caliber shell casings, and additional evidence.

On Sunday, detectives arrested 44-year-old Kawika Souza without incident. The following day, Monday, detectives arrested 60-year-old Gary Dias-Souza without incident.

After conferring with the Hawaii County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Kawika Souza was charged with second-degree attempted murder, carrying or use of a firearm in the commission of a separate felony, and two counts of ownership, possession, or control of a firearm and ammunition prohibited

Kawika Souza’s total bail was set at $1.64 million.

After conferring with prosecutors, Gary Souza was charged with criminal solicitation. His total bail was set at $100,000.

The two suspects made their initial court appearances on Tuesday, July 14, in Hilo District Court, where a judge denied their requests for release.

Police ask anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact Detective Jayce Carvalho of the Area II Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2378 or by email at jayce.carvalho@hawaiipolice.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.