Pair charged in Waikiki death
An Oahu grand jury charged Kelii Acasia Jr. yesterday with second-degree murder in the death of a man who was trying to break up a fight that started with a purse-snatching in Waikiki.
The indictment also charges Benjamin Pada with first-degree robbery and second-degree assault.
Circuit Judge Derrick Chan confirmed $1 million bail for Acasia, 19, and $100,000 for Pada, 18.
The victim was Ned Nakoa Jr., 58, who was in Waikiki Saturday night for his niece's wedding reception.
"Eyewitnesses saw the suspect Acasia punch the victim at least three to four times in the head. The victim fell to his knees (at which time) the defendant kicked him in the face causing the victim to remain motionless on the ground," said Deputy Prosecutor Vickie Kapp.
An ambulance took Nakoa to the Queen's Medical Center, where he died Sunday morning.
Police said Nakoa saw two men steal a purse from a couple on the beach. The male victim is a Marine stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and the female is his girlfriend, police said.
Kapp said Pada hit the Marine in the head with a wrench, causing a cut that later required stitches. The Marine ran after Pada and punched him in the mouth, causing Pada to release the purse, police said. At that point Nakoa intervened to break up a fight between the Marine and Acasia. That was when Acasia punched Nakoa, causing him to fall to his knees, police said.