Suspects in fatal beating of 71-year-old Maui man plead not guilty
KAHULUI (HawaiiNewsNow) – The suspects in an attack that killed a 71-year-old man in Kahului pleaded not guilty in court Friday.
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Richard Kealoha Kaauwai, 34, and Johnathan Koko-Kong, 31, were charged with second-degree murder, second-degree robbery and second-degree assault.
Officials said the two allegedly beat Alfred Kailihiwa to death while he and his sister, Valerie Kailihiwa, were feeding cats.
Police said the suspects were initially upset about Kailihiwa’s bright headlights, and attacked after Kailihiwa pepper-sprayed them.
Police said Kailihiwa was hit 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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Family members previously told Hawaii News Now bystanders intervened, saving Valerie Kailihiwa’s life.
Kailihiwa was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center with critical, life-threatening injuries, where he later died.
Both men continue to be held at Maui Community Correctional Center after their requests for bail were denied.
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They’re due back in court on Monday, Oct. 19.
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