Hawaii doc Gerhardt Konig accused of attempting to kill wife on hiking trail pleads not guilty

Dr. Gerhardt Konig pleaded not guilty in court on Monday to an attempted murder charge after allegedly trying to kill his wife on a Hawaii hiking trail. The incident occurred last month when Konig’s wife reported that he grabbed her, pushed her towards the edge of a cliff, attempted to inject her with a syringe, and then bashed her head with a rock. The wife, whose identity is protected, detailed the harrowing experience in a petition for a temporary restraining order against Konig.

Konig, who has been held without bail since his indictment on March 28, appeared in court via video from the Oahu Community Correctional Center. His defense attorney, Thomas Otake, stated that he plans to file a motion requesting bail for his client, emphasizing that Konig has no prior criminal record.

In her petition, Konig’s wife revealed that the couple was visiting Oahu to celebrate her birthday while their two young sons stayed home on Maui. The petition also mentioned previous allegations of sexual abuse and assault by Konig. The couple had been in therapy and counseling following accusations of infidelity made by Konig in December.

During their hike on the dangerous “Pali Puka” trail, Konig allegedly became aggressive towards his wife, pushing her towards the cliff’s edge and attempting to inject her with a syringe. The situation escalated as Konig started bashing her head with a rock, prompting two women on the trail to intervene and call 911. Konig fled the scene but was later arrested, while his wife was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Konig, an anesthesiologist at Maui Health, has been suspended from his position pending investigation. Maui Health, which operates hospitals and clinics in Maui County, stated that Konig’s credentials and ability to treat patients have been suspended. Kaiser Permanente, with whom Konig is affiliated through an independent contracting entity, also suspended his privileges pending investigation.

If convicted, Konig could face life in prison for the attempted murder of his wife. The court process will further investigate the allegations against him, as both sides of the story are expected to be presented in due time. The judge has ordered Konig to stay away from his wife and children, ensuring their safety during the legal proceedings.