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Two men indicted on kidnapping charges

WAILUKU — Two men have been indicted on three counts of attempted kidnapping for allegedly trying to lure three schoolgirls into a car in Kihei last month.

Bail was set at $300,000 each for Edward J. Martin, 39, who gave no local address, and Michael Evangelista, 45, of Napili.

Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were arraigned Wednesday in 2nd Circuit Court.

Police said Evangelista was driving a black 1994 Mercedes two-door coupe, with Martin in the front passenger seat, that approached an 11-year-old girl walking toward the school bus stop at Alilani Place and Kenolio Road at 7:18 a.m. Sept. 19.

Martin reportedly told the girl to go with him and Evangelista.

The girl walked faster to meet a 12-year-old girl and the car continued following slowly as the girls walked to the bus stop, according to police. A third girl, age 12, joined the two girls.

When they reached the bus stop, where a parent was waiting with her child, the car left, police said.

Police investigated after the incident was reported to school resource officer Nichole Comilang at Lokelani Intermediate School.

During a hearing Friday in 2nd Circuit Court, bail was maintained for Martin. Another court hearing is set next week for Evangelista.

A Maui County grand jury returned the indictment Oct. 13 on the felony charges.

Both men are being held at the Maui Community Correctional Center.

Evangelista and Martin previously had been charged with misdemeanor counts of attempted second-degree custodial interference in connection with the incident.

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