Hawaii Island police arrest couple after stabbing outside Kona bar

A Kailua-Kona couple has been arrested and charged with numerous crimes after a double stabbing Saturday evening during an incident involving multiple people outside a bar in Kona.

Police responded to a reported altercation at a bar in the 75-100 block of Sarona Road in Kailua-Kona on Saturday at 11:29 p.m.

According to a Hawaiian Island police report, a 41-year-old male victim told police he was working as a security guard for the establishment when he denied entry to a male customer because the bar had reached maximum capacity.

The customer was later identified as 40-year-old Joshua Van Why.

The victim told police that Van Why became angry because he was denied entry. The two argued and the altercation turned physical. Both parties struggled on the ground and Van Why was seen pulling a switchblade-type knife from his pocket and stabbing the victim, police said.

After several bystanders helped remove the knife from Van Why’s possession, he left the area on foot toward Ali’i Drive. The knife was later recovered by police.

Police determined that Van Why’s girlfriend, later identified as 29-year-old Rachel Hogan, was also involved in the incident.

Hogan was also seen leaving the area on foot, heading towards Ali’i Drive.

At midnight, officers were notified by Kona Community Hospital staff that a possible second victim, a 55-year-old man, had arrived at the emergency room in a private vehicle. He reportedly tried to intervene in the altercation between the security guard and Van Why when confronted by Hogan.

A physical altercation ensued between Hogan and the 55-year-old, during which he was stabbed and seriously injured, police said.

After fleeing, Van Why and Hogan returned to their home in the 75-5700 block of Ali’i Drive. They were arrested on Sunday morning.

Detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at the couple’s home, recovering 26 knives as evidence.

On Monday, police determined that Van Why and Hogan may have been involved in a separate stabbing incident that occurred on March 25 at a beach park in Kailua-Kona involving a 46-year-old male victim. Later that same day, the victim of the March beach park stabbing positively identified Hogan as his attacker, police said. Hogan also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

The 41-year-old male victim stabbed by Van Why was treated and released for the stab wound he suffered. The 55-year-old male victim stabbed by Hogan remained hospitalized Wednesday.

Van Why was charged with first-degree assault and second-degree assault. Bail was set at $15,000.

Hogan was charged with first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault and first-degree terroristic threatening. Her bail was set at $25,150.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the police non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311. They can also contact Detective Len Hamakado at (808) 326-4646, ext. 224, or at [email protected].

Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.