Victim identified, 2 charged with murder following Kahului attack

KAHULUI (HawaiiNewsNow) - The man who died after an alleged attack in Kahului has been identified, and two men have been charged with murder.

The victim’s family identified him as Alfred M. Kailihiwa, 71.

Kailihiwa’s family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs and related family expenses.

The attack occurred around 11:10 p.m. Thursday near Lalo and Hukilike streets.

Police said Kailihiwa and his 73-year-old sister, both of Waihee, were driving in the area to take care of animals when they encountered two men, later identified as Richard Kealoha Kaauwai, 34, of Wailuku, and Johnathan Koko-Kong, 31, along with a woman who confronted them about their bright headlights.

Police said Kailihiwa used pepper spray on the group before he and his sister left the area.

Investigators said the three suspects followed the siblings to Lalo Street and confronted them again.

Police said Kailihiwa was struck multiple times in the head, knocked to the ground and kicked while he was down. His sister was pushed to the ground, and the suspects allegedly tried to take her vehicle and stole her flashlight before fleeing.

Kailihiwa was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center with critical, life-threatening injuries. He died from his injuries Friday evening.

His sister suffered minor injuries.

Police located two vehicles believed to be connected to the suspects Friday and arrested Kaauwai, Koko-Kong and the woman.

Kaauwai and Koko-Kong were later charged with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery and second-degree assault. Bail was set at $530,000 each.

Police said the woman remains in custody, as the investigation continues.