A Hawaii Democratic congressional candidate was charged with two felonies following a public altercation on a Maui beach that was captured on video.
Basin charged with felonies after beach fight
Kirill Basin, 40, a Democratic candidate for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District, was charged with two counts of making terroristic threats after an altercation on Keawakapu Beach in Maui on Saturday. According to a criminal complaint, Basin allegedly threatened a 61-year-old man by stating he had a firearm and would shoot the man’s wife. Maui Police confirmed the charges in a statement.
Video shows chair thrown during confrontation
Footage from the incident shows Basin shoving another beachgoer, Kama Homan, 41, before stumbling over beach chairs and falling. Basin then grabbed a chair and swung it at Homan, who avoided the strike and knocked Basin unconscious with a punch. Homan told Hawaii News Now he intervened after Basin became increasingly aggressive, shouting threats at bystanders.
Court appearance and legal response
Basin appeared in Wailuku court on Tuesday, where his attorney, Brandon Segal, stated Basin intends to plead not guilty to the charges. Segal also criticized the $1 million bond set for Basin’s release as "outrageous." The case remains pending with no trial date announced.
Timeline of the incident
The altercation began when a 61-year-old man approached Basin to ask him to lower the volume of music playing from a speaker. Basin responded by allegedly stating he had a firearm and would harm the man’s wife, according to police. The confrontation escalated as Basin directed profanity and threats at multiple beachgoers, including a woman he allegedly threatened to "put in the ground" and "in the hospital."
Basin then walked toward his belongings, where Homan approached from behind. After Basin shoved Homan, the two scuffled, leading to Basin falling over chairs. Homan’s intervention ended with Basin unconscious in the sand.
Basin’s political status
Basin is running as a Democratic candidate in Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District. His campaign website describes him as a former U.S. Department of Defense contractor and entrepreneur. The incident occurred days before the primary election, though Basin’s name does not appear on the latest voter registration rolls for the district, according to Hawaii election officials.
Police and legal proceedings
Maui Police confirmed they responded to the scene and filed charges based on witness statements and video evidence. The criminal complaint includes allegations of terroristic threats, though Basin has maintained his innocence. His next court appearance has not been scheduled.
The incident has drawn public attention due to Basin’s political candidacy and the violent nature of the altercation, which was widely shared on social media.