Maui man accused of tourist robbery pleads not guilty

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Christopher Helmer, a Maui resident accused of robbing two tourists, entered a plea of not guilty during his court appearance on Friday.

Helmer, 34, faced charges including robbery, firearms offenses, and drug-related charges when he appeared before the judge at the Maui Circuit Court.

Bail was set at $500,000 for this case.

Additionally, Helmer is being held on $250,000 bail for a separate kidnapping case.

As a condition of his bail, Helmer was ordered to have no contact with the victims, identified as Alex and Justine Lucero, who recounted their harrowing experience to KHON2 earlier this week.

According to the Luceros, they were robbed of their belongings and vehicle in the Kaupo area by an assailant who then compelled them to hide and climb Haleakala for safety.

Helmer’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 15.