Who Are Hilinaikailimakualopali Keeno and Thomas Malone? Kailua Shooting Accused and Victim Details

A fatal shooting near the Kailua Fall Festival in Hawaii has led to the arrest of 24-year-old Hilinaikailimakualopali Keeno in connection with the death of Thomas C. Malone, 30.

According to reports citing Honolulu Police Department records and local reporting, the shooting followed an argument between two groups during the festival on Saturday. The confrontation later continued in a parking area near a Target store on Hahani Street.

Who is Hilinaikailimakualopali Keeno?

Hilinaikailimakualopali Keeno is 24 years old and was arrested in connection with the shooting.

She has reportedly been charged with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a separate felony and keeping a pistol, according to records cited by Hindustan Times. Reports also indicate that she had no previous criminal record.

The charges are allegations at this stage, and the case will proceed through the US criminal justice system.

Police are continuing to investigate what led to the confrontation and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Who was Thomas C. Malone?

Thomas C. Malone, 30, was from Kāneʻohe, Hawaii. He died after suffering a gunshot wound to the neck. His death was ruled a homicide, according to reports citing the medical examiner's findings.

Malone's family background has also attracted attention because his father, Michael Buntenbah, was previously associated with convicted Hawaii crime figure Mike Miske, according to Honolulu Civil Beat reporting cited by Hindustan Times.

Buntenbah pleaded guilty in 2022 to conspiracy to commit assault in aid of racketeering relating to his earlier activities as a bouncer for Miske.

What happened at the Kailua shooting?

Honolulu police said the incident began after an argument between two groups at the Kailua Fall Festival.

The confrontation subsequently moved to a parking lot near a Target store at 345 Hahani Street, where the shooting occurred. Investigators are reviewing video footage from the area as they work to establish the sequence of events.

Authorities have not publicly released all details surrounding the dispute or established a complete account of what preceded the shooting.

Investigation continues

The Honolulu Police Department's investigation remains active. Investigators are examining available surveillance footage and other evidence from the festival and surrounding area.

Keeno's arrest and criminal charges represent the current status of the investigation; they do not constitute a finding of guilt. Further details are expected as the case moves through the court process.

What to know at a glance

DetailInformationAccusedHilinaikailimakualopali KeenoAge24Charges reportedSecond-degree murder, firearm-related offencesVictimThomas C. MaloneAge30Victim's hometownKāneʻohe, HawaiiCause of deathGunshot wound to the neckLocationKailua, HawaiiInvestigationHonolulu Police Department