BJ Penn Charged With Assault Following Incident in Hilo  

Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 46-year-old Jay Dee “BJ” Penn, of Hilo, with third-degree assault following an incident that occurred early Tuesday morning, Nov. 4, 2025.

At 1 a.m., police responded to a report of an assault at a residence on Kanoa Street in Hilo. The 45-year-old male victim reported that Penn punched and kicked him multiple times before the victim was able to leave the area and contact police. The victim later sought medical treatment for his injuries at Hilo Benioff Medical Center.

At 11:50 a.m., officers located Penn on Lehua Street in Hilo, where he was arrested without incident. He was charged with third-degree assault and his bail was set at $1,000, which he later posted.

Penn is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Dec. 2, at 1 p.m. in Hilo District Court.

Police ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident to please contact Officer Chester Franco of South Hilo Patrol at (808) 935-3311, or via email at chester.franco@hawaiicounty.gov.