Man pleads not guilty in woman’s death

A Waianae man charged with causing the death of a grandmother after a purse-snatching in front of her Wai?kiki condominium pleaded not guilty Thursday in Circuit Court.

Josiah Figueroa, 24, entered his plea by video from Oahu Community Correctional Center. Judge Richard Perkins confirmed his bail at $500,000 and set his trial for the week of May 27.

Figueroa is accused of pushing Jullie Stephenson, 52, and taking her purse on Ala Moana Boulevard on Feb. 2. Stephenson fell down in the attack and sustained a broken hip and internal bleeding. She was in a coma for three weeks and died Feb. 26.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Duo arrested in man’s death

A man and woman are being held in connection with the death of a 59-year-old man whose body was found in a Hilo apartment complex Wednesday night.

Hawaii County police discovered the victim after responding to a report of a disturbance at 7:32 p.m. Wednesday at a complex on the 100 block of Ulu?lani Street. The victim was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

A 52-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man were arrested at the scene on suspicion of second-degree murder. Police said the suspects and the victim were homeless and associated with one another in Hilo.

Police are focusing on a visible injury on the victim that appears to indicate a homicide. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday to determine the exact cause of death.

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

Police ask anyone with information to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or contact Detective Clarence Davies at 961-2384 or cdavies@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Little fire ants called a threat

Maui officials say little fire ants pose a significant threat to the island even though fewer have been seen since the start of this year.

Complaints about the invasive insects have slowed since January, the Maui News reported Thursday.

Maui Invasive Species Committee Manager Teya Penniman said officials will be watching because the ants will keep coming from Hawaii island unless they’re stopped.