Police Charge Visitor with Attempted Murder Following Stabbing Incident at Sea

Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 21-year-old Avery Nissen of Overland Park, Kansas with attempted murder and other related offenses following a stabbing incident aboard a fishing vessel off the Kona coast on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

At 3:21 p.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. Upon arrival it was reported that the captain of the boat, a 62-year-old male, was attacked with a filet knife by the suspect, Avery Nissen, 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 Friday, April 17, after conferring with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Nissen was charged with the following offenses:

• Second-degree attempted murder
• First-degree assault
• Second-degree assault

His total bail was set at $1,570,000. Nissen’s initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday, April 20, in Kona District Court.

Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to please contact Detective Bradley Llanes at (808) 326-4646, ext. 268 or via email at Bradley.Llanes@hawaiipolice.gov.