Murder reported in Hilo, two suspects in custody

A 63-year-old Hilo man and 52-year-old Pahoa woman are in custody after a homicide Wednesday night near downtown Hilo.

Ellsworth H.K. Hulihee and Rhonda A.M. Faris were was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder, according to the arrest log. Neither had been charged as of 10:30 a.m. Thursday. They were taken into custody at the Low Apartments at 140 Ululani St.

Police responded about 7:32 p.m. Wednesday to a reported disturbance at the apartment complex. The victim, a 59-year-old Hilo man, was found without signs of life by the officers. He was taken to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

The victim was identified through fingerprints. His identity is being withheld pending notification of his family.

An autopsy to determine the exact cause of death is scheduled for Friday.

Hulihee has a lengthy rap sheet dating back to 1969 with 51 convictions for mostly minor offenses dating back to 1969. His only felony conviction, in 1985, was for terroristic threatening.

Faris has 22 convictions dating back to 1987, but none for felonies.

Both remain in custody as detectives investigate, Wagner said.

Anyone with information about this case should call the Hawaii Police Department’s nonemergency line at 935-3311 or contact Detective Clarence Davies at 961-2384 or cdavies@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.