HILO, HI – Prosecutors are pushing to hold big-wave surfer Kealiiwainue “Kealii” Mamala, 46, without bail as he faces 25 domestic abuse-related charges spanning from November 2024 to March 2025.
A bail revocation hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Friday before Hilo Circuit Judge Peter Kubota. Mamala, a well-known surfer who competed in the 2023 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational and was invited to the 2025 event, is currently in custody at Hawaii Community Correction Center.
Charges and Allegations
Mamala faces charges in both Hilo District and Circuit Courts, including:
Unlawful imprisonment (1st degree)
Second-degree assault (3 counts)
Domestic abuse aggravated by strangulation
Domestic abuse (14 counts)
Terroristic threatening (2 counts)
Prohibited possession of firearms (2 counts) and ammunition
According to court documents, the 34-year-old victim, who was in a relationship with Mamala, alleges he restrained, struck, kicked, head-butted, and strangled her. He also reportedly hit her with a garbage-can lid and aluminum fishing pole holder and cut her hair without her consent.
The victim sustained serious injuries, including a ruptured eardrum and a broken nose.
When arrested, Mamala was allegedly in possession of a Springfield Armory Model 1903 rifle, a .410 caliber Snake Charmer pistol, and ammunition—despite being prohibited from owning firearms.
Legal Proceedings and Past Incidents
The most serious charges—unlawful imprisonment, second-degree assault, and domestic abuse by strangulation—are Class C felonies, each carrying up to five years in prison.
In 2023, a separate domestic abuse case involving Mamala resulted in another woman obtaining a protective order against him.
Mamala remains in custody on $116,020 bail for district court charges and no bail for circuit court charges.
