Fit to proceed: Judge rules Kona man to stand trial for attempted murder

A Kona man facing attempted murder and other charges stemming from a December 2021 domestic violence incident was found mentally fit to stand trial Thursday after undergoing a psychiatric evaluation.

Kona Circuit Court Judge Wendy DeWeese granted prosecutor’s motion in December to hold Glendon Nakata, 53, without bail pending a jury trial which was previously set for April. She noted there was serious risk that Nakata would injure or intimidate and poses a danger to a prospective witness based upon witness testimony.

In January, court proceedings were suspended until Nakata could undergo a mental fitness evaluation. Doctor reports from that evaluation on Thursday concluded he was fit to stand trial with a jury trial date set for May 31.

Nakata pleaded not guilty Dec. 17, 2021, to attempted second-degree murder, kidnapping, first-degree terroristic threatening and two counts of felony abuse of a family or household member in connection with the Dec. 3, 2021, incident in which Nakata allegedly tried strangle his wife with a dog leash. At that time, his defense counsel, William Reece stated Nakata was a decorated veteran who suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. However, according to court records, the victim stated he refused treatment for the disorder.

Nakata also had a 2017 charge of abuse of family and household member and second-degree terroristic threatening, of which he was acquitted by excluding penal responsibility, meaning it was determined he was affected by a physical or mental disease at the time of the incident.

Second-degree attempted murder and kidnapping are class A felonies punishable by up to 20 years incarceration. Abuse of household or family member, and terroristic threatening are class C felonies punishable by up to five years incarceration.

Nakata remains in custody at Hawaii Community Correctional Center.