A cherished member of the Maui community, Alfred Kailihiwa, aged 71, was reportedly murdered while he was feeding stray cats at a popular location. This tragic incident took place on August 6 in Kahului, on the North Shore of Maui, involving two suspects, Jonathan Koko-Kong, 31, and Richard Kealoha-Kauwai, 34.
According to the police, the assault was instigated after an altercation between an unidentified woman and Alfred regarding the use of bright headlights. At the time, Alfred was with his sister, Valerie Kailihiwa, aged 73, and they were driving through the area as part of their routine to feed the stray cats. Notably, Alfred and his brother were well-known for caring for around 700 cats nightly, often rescuing them and bringing them to the Maui Humane Society.
When the attack occurred, Alfred defended himself with pepper spray and attempted to flee the scene alongside his sister. They eventually stopped near Calle Lalo and Calle Juquirique to tend to another group of feral cats.
However, the two suspects, along with the woman who accompanied them, followed and ambushed the elderly siblings shortly after 11 p.m. During a preliminary hearing in Wailuku, Valerie recounted the harrowing event. “I was thrown to the ground and I had bruises on my arms and my knees while trying to get back up,” she said. She recalled the assailant shouting threats as he wrested her flashlight away.
The police reported that the attackers beat Alfred repeatedly before he collapsed. He was also kicked while on the ground, and they allegedly attempted to steal Valerie’s car and flashlight as well.
Alfred was rushed to Maui Memorial Medical Center due to critical injuries but sadly later passed away. Valerie sustained minor injuries. Both Koko-Kong and Kealoha-Kauwai are facing multiple charges, including murder, robbery, and assault, and are currently held without bail.
A female accomplice has also been arrested in relation to the attack but has been released pending additional investigation. Reports indicate that Kealoha-Kauwai has a history of 18 prior convictions, eight of which are felonies, while Koko-Kong has two felony convictions.
In an emotional statement, Alfred’s daughter, Jaime Kahoohanohano, expressed disbelief at how someone could harm an elder, saying, “I can’t think about what happened… my dad is 71 years old.” Samuel Kailihiwa, Alfred’s nephew, expressed gratitude to those who intervened during the attack, fearing for his mother’s safety had they not acted swiftly.
Amid the tragedy, a fundraiser organized by Maui’s animal rescue community has raised over $45,000 to support Alfred’s family. The campaign emphasizes his devotion to the stray cats and acknowledges him as a beloved figure within the local community.
“He truly loved his sister and dedicated his life to caring for these cats. We want to help make things right for her,” the fundraiser overview stated.
