Woman Charged After Father of Three Is Killed in Hawaii Festival Shooting

A 24-year-old woman has been charged with second-degree murder after a 30-year-old father was shot and killed near a popular festival in Kailua, Hawaii.

Honolulu police said the shooting happened on the evening of September 26 in the parking lot of a Target store near the Kailua Fall Festival. Officers responded shortly after 8:30 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire.

The victim was identified as Thomas Malone. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Argument Continued Into the Parking Lot

According to investigators, two groups had been involved in an argument at the festival before the dispute continued in the nearby parking lot.

Police have been reviewing surveillance footage and gathering information from people who attended the festival as they work to establish exactly what happened before the shooting.

Authorities have asked members of the public who recorded photographs or videos at the festival or in the surrounding area to provide them to investigators.

Suspect Turned Herself In

Police identified 24-year-old Hilinaikailimakuaopali Keeno as a suspect during the investigation.

Officers located and arrested her shortly before 11 p.m. on September 28. The case was later reviewed by the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney.

On September 30, prosecutors charged Keeno with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a separate felony and place to keep a firearm. Her bail was set at $1 million.

Thomas Malone Remembered as an Athlete and Father

Malone was remembered by friends and former coaches as a talented athlete who competed in football, soccer and track.

He was part of the Kaiser High School football team that won a state championship and was also a state champion in track.

His family said Malone was a father of three children, with another child on the way.

Former coach Rich Miano described Malone as talented and respectful toward his coaches and elders. A memorial has grown near the location where he was killed as friends and family mourned his death.

Investigation Remains Open

Although a suspect has been charged, Honolulu police said the investigation remains active.

Detectives are continuing to examine video footage and other evidence from the festival and the surrounding area. Authorities have not publicly released a complete account of what led to the shooting.

The charges against Keeno are allegations, and the case will now proceed through the Hawaii court system.

Sources

• Honolulu Police Department — “UPDATE: Suspect in Kailua Murder Investigation Charged” — September 30, 2026.
• Hawaii News Now — “24-year-old charged in deadly Kailua Target shooting” — September 30, 2026.
• Hawaii News Now — “Loved ones, former coach remember 30-year-old man killed in Kailua shooting” — September 29, 2026.