Hawaii Man Charged for Stabbing Estranged Wife and Girlfriend While on Work Release

John Nihipali allegedly left his work furlough program to carry out the attacks, resulting in one death and one hospitalization.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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John Nihipali, a 55-year-old Hawaii man serving a 25-year sentence for second-degree assault, has been charged with second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, burglary, and escape after allegedly stabbing his 53-year-old estranged wife and his 53-year-old girlfriend, resulting in the girlfriend's death. Nihipali was out on a work release program at the time of the attacks.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the risks of work release programs, as Nihipali allegedly used his furlough pass to carry out these violent attacks. It also raises questions about monitoring and oversight of inmates on work release, as well as the need for stronger safeguards to protect victims of domestic violence, even when perpetrators are incarcerated.

The details

According to police, Nihipali first stabbed his estranged wife in the neck at her home in Kapolei, Hawaii, but she was able to escape and call 911. Just over an hour later, police found Nihipali's girlfriend unresponsive in her home in McCully, Hawaii, with multiple stab wounds including defensive wounds on her hands. Surveillance footage showed Nihipali entering and leaving his girlfriend's home before driving to his estranged wife's house.

  • On Friday, March 8, 2026 at 4:15 p.m., police received a report of a stabbing at the Kapolei home of Nihipali's estranged wife.
  • Just over an hour later, at 5:30 p.m. on the same day, police received a call about an unresponsive woman in a home in McCully, Hawaii.

The players

John Nihipali

A 55-year-old Hawaii man who was serving a 25-year sentence for second-degree assault and was out on a work release program at the time of the alleged attacks.

Nihipali's 53-year-old estranged wife

The victim of the stabbing attack at her home in Kapolei, Hawaii, who was able to escape and call 911.

Nihipali's 53-year-old girlfriend

The victim who was found unresponsive with multiple stab wounds, including defensive wounds, in her home in McCully, Hawaii, and later died from her injuries.

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What’s next

Nihipali is being held without bail and his next court date has not been made available. The investigation into the attacks is ongoing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and safeguards in work release programs, as well as the ongoing challenges in protecting victims of domestic violence, even when perpetrators are incarcerated.