Big Island police are asking for the public's help in locating a 38-year-old Puna man wanted for questioning in connection with a shooting in the Orchidland subdivision Thursday night (February 14). 

Steven Kaio of Orchidland is being sought as a person of interest in this incident and is considered armed and dangerous. He is described as 5-foot-7, 250-300 pounds with brown eyes and short black hair. He is depicted above in a 1994 file mug shot.

Puna patrol officers were summoned at approximately 7:30 p.m. to the 35^th Avenue home of the 51-year-old male victim of a single gunshot wound to the head. Fire/rescue personnel took the victim to Hilo Medical Center in critical condition. His condition has since been upgraded to guarded.

The incident has been classified as an attempted murder. Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Section have assumed this investigation and are actively searching for Kaio, who is related to the victim. Kaio was last seen driving away from the home in a white 2006 Toyota Tundra bearing Hawaii license plate HKE 078. 

Police have an added concern that Kaio may pose a danger to himself. Members of the public are advised against trying to approach him.

Police ask anyone with information about Kaio to call Detective Rio Amon-Wilkins at 961-2386 or the Police Department's non-emergency number at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers calls are kept confidential.

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