A 71-year-old man known for caring for stray cats on Maui was allegedly beaten to death on August 6 in Kahului while he and his sister were feeding feral felines. Authorities have charged Johnathan Koko-Kong, 31, and Richard Kealoha-Kaauwai, 34, with murder, robbery, and assault in connection with the death of Alfred Kailihiwa.
According to police, the altercation began when Koko-Kong, Kealoha-Kaauwai, and an unidentified woman confronted Kailihiwa and his sister, Valerie Kailihiwa, 73, about their vehicle's headlights. The Kailihiwas were driving in the area to feed stray cats, a nightly endeavor for Alfred, who was locally famous for his dedication to the animals.
During the initial confrontation, Alfred Kailihiwa reportedly used pepper spray on the group and fled with his sister. However, the suspects allegedly followed the siblings to the intersection of Lalo and Hukilike Street, where they had stopped to feed another group of stray cats. Police state that the assailants then launched a surprise attack.
Valerie Kailihiwa testified in court that she was thrown to the ground and that one of the assailants yelled, "I'll teach you a lesson." She further stated that Alfred Kailihiwa was allegedly struck in the head multiple times before falling, and then kicked repeatedly while he was on the ground. The attackers also allegedly attempted to steal Valerie's car and took her flashlight.
Alfred Kailihiwa was transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center with critical injuries and later died. His sister sustained minor injuries. Koko-Kong and Kealoha-Kaauwai are being held without bail. Kealoha-Kaauwai has a history of 18 prior convictions, including eight felonies, while Koko-Kong has two felony convictions.
A female companion involved in the incident was arrested and later released pending further investigation.
Alfred Kailihiwa's daughters expressed grief and outrage. "I can't believe that there are people out there that could be so evil to harm our kupuna. I mean, my dad's 71," said Jaime Kaho’ohanohano. Kalei Kailihiwa described the event as heinous and stated she was not ready for forgiveness.
Bystanders intervened during the attack, and Kailihiwa's nephew expressed gratitude, stating, "My mom could have been another loss. Thank God for the Good Samaritans that stepped in and called the cops."
Members of the Maui animal rescue community have organized an online fundraiser to support Kailihiwa's family, which has already raised over $45,000. The fundraiser notes that Kailihiwa was a beloved member of the community, especially adored by the cat-loving community, and that the funds would help ease the situation for his sister.
Maui has a significant population of stray cats, with Kailihiwa reportedly feeding approximately 700 cats each night. He also participated in trapping cats to be spayed or neutered at the Maui Humane Society. A photograph of stray cats near an abandoned plant can be seen here. The alleged assault occurred near the intersection of Lalo and Hukilike Street. 
