WAILUKU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A man was arrested and released after a hammer attack outside Ray’s Deli and Lounge on Waiehu Beach Road early Wednesday morning.

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Surveillance video shows people exiting the bar shortly after 2 a.m.

A man then hits another man in the head with a hammer.

The victim, who asked to remain anonymous, said he was treated for injuries and is still being evaluated for brain damage. He said he is grateful to be alive.

Witnesses who also asked to remain anonymous are shaken.

“Super messed up and like traumatizing and it’s like something that should have never happened,” one witness said.

Suspect released pending investigation

Arrest records show Erath Kaihewalu, 33, was arrested for assault in the second degree but was released pending further investigation.

“We’re currently working with the prosecutor’s office to determine whether additional arrests and charges are warranted in this case. Right now, the case is under investigation,” said Capt. Nelson Hamilton of the Maui Police Department.

The anonymous witness hope police and prosecutors take this case seriously.

“I just feel like unsafe,” the witness said. “I heard that he was at the bar drinking the next day after he was released. So, like obviously he thinks like he can just get away with it.”

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Prior criminal history

Court records show Kaihewalu has 18 prior convictions for various offenses, including assault and drug charges.

He was charged with attempted murder and meth trafficking after a standoff with police in Kahului in 2011. Records show that case was dismissed.

He was charged again with attempted murder in 2021 after a machete attack at Piihana Farms in Wailuku. Records show that case was also dismissed.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Maui Police Department.

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