Two Men Arrested and Charged in Connection with Attempted Murder Investigation

Kawika Souza

Gary Dias-Souza

Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged two Pāʻauilo men in connection with an attempted murder investigation stemming from a shooting in the Hāmākua  district on Thursday, July 10, 2026.

On Saturday, July 11, at 11:51 a.m., South Kohala patrol 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, July 10, at 9:00 p.m., while on a property in Pāʻauilo.

Detectives with the Area I Criminal Investigation Section 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, July 12, detectives arrested 44-year-old Kawika Souza without incident. The following day, Monday, July 13, detectives arrested 60-year-old Gary Dias-Souza without incident.

After conferring with the Hawaiʻi 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
• Two counts of ownership, possession, or control of a firearm and ammunition prohibited

Kawika Souza’s total bail was set at $1,640,000.

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

They are both scheduled to make their initial court appearances on Tuesday, July 14, in Hilo District Court.

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.