Home / Crime and Justice / Kona Coast Chaos: Tourist Arrested for Stabbing
Kona Coast Chaos: Tourist Arrested for Stabbing
19 Apr
Summary
- A Kansas man was charged with attempted murder after a stabbing on a boat.
- The victim, the boat's captain, sustained stab wounds and cuts.
- Other passengers restrained the suspect before police arrived.
On Thursday, April 16, 2026, Hawaii County police responded to Honokohau Harbor following a stabbing incident aboard a returning catamaran snorkel tour. A 21-year-old man from Overland Park, Kansas, identified as Avery Nissen, allegedly attacked the boat's 62-year-old captain with a filet knife. The motive for the assault remains unknown.
The captain suffered a stab wound to his lower abdomen and multiple cuts to his head and hands. He was transported to Kona Community Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. Passengers aboard the vessel intervened, successfully restraining Nissen until law enforcement arrived.
Nissen was subsequently charged on Friday, April 17, 2026, with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, and second-degree assault. His bail was set at $1.57 million, and his initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026, in Kona District Court.
