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 in Makaha after a family member notified police of his whereabouts.

Nathan Keaulii, who had been missing from the hospital since Monday, was arrested at an Ikuone Place home without incident at 5:46 p.m. Wednesday. He 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 charged yesterday with second-degree escape.

Keaulii is under court-ordered commitment to the hospital for an escape in 2002. His court record includes convictions for promoting dangerous drugs, promoting detrimental drugs, abuse of a household member, theft, and criminal trespass.

Police said the state hospital staff discovered that Keaulii was missing at 11:30 a.m. Monday. The investigation found no signs of forced exit.

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

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

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