Loved ones, former coach remember 30-year-old man killed in Kailua shooting

KAILUA (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim of Saturday’s deadly Kailua shooting as 30-year-old Thomas Malone. His loved ones often called him “Tommy Boy.”

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Coach Rich Miano remembered Malone from his high school days on the state championship-winning Kaiser High School football team.

“He was a typical local boy who was extremely talented and extremely respectful to his elders, coaches,” Miano said.

Malone’s family told Hawaii News Now he was a father of three, with another child on the way. In addition to high school football, he was also a decorated soccer player and track state champion.

“You know, you don’t find that very often in terms of guys that are so talented, they can play multiple positions and multiple sports,” Miano said.

A growing memorial now marks the scene of the shooting in the Kailua Target parking lot. Friends and family have stopped by, mourning the news of his passing.

“These things hit home and this was somebody that we all loved and appreciated knowing for this short time in our lives,” Miano said.

HPD said the suspect, a 24-year-old woman, turned herself in Monday night. She was booked for second-degree murder and firearm offenses. Police are conferring with the prosecutor’s office for official charges.

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As investigators piece together the sequence of events, police said two groups were arguing prior to the shooting.

Some festival attendees were also unaware this happened until later in the night, when authorities arrived and word quickly spread.

HPD has asked the public for photos and videos from people in the area, saying they could hold relevant information.

Miano shared his heartbreak over the gun violence in the community, and says sadly, it can happen in places where it is least expected.

“Unfortunately, it has been happening way too much, and the fact that it is spreading throughout the different communities should be a concern to everybody that loves this place,” Miano said.

Malone’s family is reportedly working on organizing a candlelight vigil in the coming days. Witnesses to the shooting should still contact HPD by calling CrimeStoppers at 808-955-8300.

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