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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted at 11:52 a.m., Thursday, October 2, 2003

Hawai'i State Hospital escapee caught in Makaha

By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer

A 36-year-old Hawai'i State Hospital escapee was captured yesterday in Makaha after a family member notified police of his whereabouts.

Nathan Keaulii was arrested at an Ikuone Place home without incident at 5:46 p.m. Keaulii was seen walking along Farrington Highway by his 39-year-old brother, who was returning home from work.

The brother offered him a ride home and called police, said Sgt. Randy Tandall.

Keaulii was booked at the main police station cellblock yesterday for escape. He will likely be charged with escape before being returned to the Hawai'i State Hospital, police said.

Keaulii is under court-ordered commitment to the hospital for a previous 2002 escape. He has convictions for promoting dangerous drugs, promoting detrimental drugs, abuse of a household member, theft, and criminal trespass.

Police said Keaulii was discovered missing by State Hospital staff at 11:30 a.m. Monday. The investigation found no signs of forced exit.

CrimeStoppers coordinator Detective Letha DeCaires said Keaulii had been seen Tuesday at the Federal Building on Punchbowl Street, at a bus stop fronting Bank of Hawaii's main branch in downtown and on Kuhio Avenue across from the International Market Place.

DeCaires suspects Keaulii was taking advantage of free city bus service this week to get around.

Reach Rod Ohira at 535-8181 or rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.