Robert Henneman Jr., now 57, had been serving a term of life in prison with the possibility of parole after pleading no contest to second-degree murder for the killing of 40-year-old Makawao resident David Gibbins on Aug. 18, 1991.

But in 2004, after being incarcerated for nearly 13 years, Henneman was allowed to withdraw his plea. A court ruling said Henneman's attorney at the time had given him wrong advice about the sentence he faced.

Henneman and Gibbins had been among friends on a camping and fishing trip at Nuu Landing in Kaupo when an argument between the men escalated, according to witness accounts. Witnesses said that Henneman went to his van, got a Colt AR-15 assault rifle and shot Gibbins in the chest. He was dead by the time help arrived in the remote area.

Both men had been drinking that night, according to witnesses.

Henneman has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Honolulu attorney Keith Shigetomi, who now represents Henneman, has indicated the defendant will assert he was acting in self-defense.

The defense has sought to introduce evidence of an altercation between Henneman and Gibbins a few days before the shooting.

Second Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza is presiding over the trial.

Henneman, who was living in Kihei after posting $150,000 bail in 2004, is now being held without bail at the Maui Community Correctional Center.