Honolulu Man Out on Work Furlough Fatally Stabs Girlfriend, Critically Injures Estranged Wife

John Nihipali Sr. allegedly killed his girlfriend and attacked his estranged wife while on a work release program.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A 55-year-old Honolulu man on a work furlough program has been arrested for the fatal stabbing of his 53-year-old girlfriend and the critical wounding of his 53-year-old estranged wife. Investigators say John Nihipali Sr. killed his girlfriend, stole her vehicle, and then drove to his estranged wife's home where he attacked her as well.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns about the oversight and monitoring of inmates on work release programs, as well as the potential risks to public safety when violent offenders are granted temporary freedom. It also raises questions about domestic violence prevention and intervention measures.

The details

According to police, Nihipali fatally stabbed his girlfriend in Honolulu, then drove over 20 miles to the home of his estranged wife where he stabbed her in the neck. A 30-year-old man who lived with the estranged wife intervened, allowing her to escape and call 911. Nihipali was arrested at the scene and charged with attempted murder, murder, burglary, and escape.

  • On Thursday afternoon, police responded to a report of a stabbing at a home in Kapolei.
  • Shortly afterward, officers in the McCully neighborhood of Honolulu, more than 20 miles away from Kapolei, found Nihipali's 53-year-old girlfriend dead from multiple stab wounds.

The players

John Nihipali Sr.

A 55-year-old Honolulu man who was out on a work furlough program from prison when he allegedly killed his girlfriend and attacked his estranged wife.

Nihipali's 53-year-old girlfriend

The woman Nihipali allegedly fatally stabbed in Honolulu.

Nihipali's 53-year-old estranged wife

The woman Nihipali allegedly stabbed in the neck at her home, leaving her critically injured.

30-year-old man

The man who lived with Nihipali's estranged wife and intervened, allowing her to escape and call 911.

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What’s next

Nihipali is being held without bond and is facing charges of attempted murder, murder, burglary, and escape. The judge will determine if he should be allowed to remain out on bail while awaiting trial.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for stricter monitoring and oversight of inmates on work release programs, as well as the importance of robust domestic violence prevention and intervention measures to protect vulnerable individuals from harm.