2 charged with murder following Kahului attack

KAHULUI (HawaiiNewsNow) – Two men have been charged with murder after a 71-year-old man died following an attack in Kahului.

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

Police said the 71-year-old man and his 73-year-old sister, both of Waiheʻe, were driving in the area to feed stray cats when they encountered two men and a woman who confronted them about their bright headlights.

Police said the 71-year-old 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 the man 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.

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The victim 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 a 34-year-old Wailuku man, along with a 31-year-old man and a woman from Maunaloa.

The two men were later charged with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery and second-degree assault. Bail was set at $530,000 each.

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