On Saturday, July 20, 2024, at around 11:46 a.m., Lahaina Patrol Officers were dispatched to 2010 Honoapiilani Highway in Kaanapali following a report of a suspicious incident. Upon arrival, officers were directed by a bystander to a male individual who was found breathing but unresponsive, suffering from a serious arm injury. A responding officer applied a tourniquet to the injured arm and initiated life-saving procedures until fire and medical personnel arrived and took over the medical care. Despite efforts, the 53-year-old male from Lahaina was transported in critical condition to the Maui Memorial Medical Center, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries before arrival.
To allow time for the family to notify extended relatives and friends, the victim’s identity was initially withheld for 24 hours. Preliminary investigations indicated that an eyewitness saw a 46-year-old Lahaina male standing over the victim’s body before fleeing in a red 2007 Honda Element.
At approximately 1:08 p.m., officers discovered the abandoned Honda off Honoapiilani Highway in the Olowalu area. Later, at about 4:03 p.m., Special Response Team (SRT) and Lahaina Patrol officers located the suspect at Honokawai Park and arrested him on charges of Murder in the Second Degree. The suspect remains in police custody awaiting formal charges.
The victim was later identified as Sione Paletua of Wailuku. The Maui Police Department extends heartfelt condolences to Mr. Paletua’s family and friends.
On Monday, July 22, 2024, 46-year-old Seniola Kafoa Jr. of Lahaina was formally charged with Murder in the Second Degree. Kafoa remains in custody with bail set at $500,000. The investigation is still ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time.
