Agents who handle civil rights complaints will be looking into the beatings with the help of Honolulu police, he said.

Their findings will be forwarded to the U.S. Attorney's Office, which will decide whether federal charges are warranted.

Andrew Dussell, a 26-year-old soldier, and his wife were allegedly beaten in the parking lot of the shopping center Feb. 19.

Both Andrew Dussell, who has served two tours of duty in Iraq, and his wife, Dawn Dussell, a 23-year-old nursing student at Hawai'i Pacific University, suffered broken noses, concussions and facial fractures.

The Dussell's have been released from the hospital.

A police affidavit filed in court said the attack occurred after the Dussells' car collided with a vehicle while trying to pull into a parking stall.

Gerald D. Paakaula, 44, and his son were arrested in connection with the assault.

The father has been charged with second-degree assault; the son's case is being handled by the Family Court in confidential proceedings.

The affidavit said the son was "extremely angry that his vehicle had been struck."

"He began yelling obscenities toward Andrew Dussell, calling him a 'f------ haole' while kicking his driver side door," the document said.