By Dean Sensui, Star-Bulletin
Flowers mark a spot along the road where
a woman was killed last night during an
argument on Kaamooloa Road in Waialua.

---

Woman trying to
break up fight
is killed

A teen girl is arrested
in connection with the death
of the 62-year-old

By Jaymes K. Song
Star-Bulletin

Julia Alameida, a 62-year-old bus driver who retired July 1, died today after being shot in the head while trying to break up a neighborhood scuffle in Waialua last night.

A 16-year-old girl was arrested in connection with the shooting and is facing a second-degree murder charge, police said. She was held this morning in juvenile detention.

Officers said a confrontation started between at least two families at about 9:30 p.m. yesterday at the end of 66-195 Kaamooloa Road in Waialua. The families live across a one-lane road from each other.

The fight escalated when a 30-year-old man allegedly hit a 36-year-old woman and the girl, police said.

The girl went into her house and picked up a .22-caliber rifle, police said.

Police said the girl went outside, a shot was fired, and a bullet struck Alameida in the head.

Alameida, who was trying to break up the dispute, was the man's mother.

A neighbor, who lived near both homes, said they never had any problems in the quiet, rural neighborhood.

He woke up when he heard "something like a firecracker" popping. He went outside, and he saw Alameida lying on the ground.

"She had a gunshot wound in the right front of her head," the man said. "I just tried to stop the bleeding and provide comfort."

This morning, a small pool of blood and some broken glass were visible where Alameida was shot, at the end of the road. Residents rested flowers near the scene.

A representative from the Alameida family said, "We're grieving and we're shocked," but wouldn't comment any further.

"She's a beautiful, humble, mellow lady," said lifelong friend Salvador Alejandro, who paid respects to the family this morning.

"She's real friendly and soft-hearted," Alejandro said.

Alameida was a driver for TheBus who started in June 1976 and retired July 1, said transportation administrator Kenneth Hong.

Hong said Alameida was stationed at the Halawa division and was a valuable employee for the past 22 years.

"It was a surprise to all of us here, too," said Hong, who said the news spread quickly among bus drivers, finally reaching the administration offices.

Hong said he called around to confirm her death.

Alameida was airlifted to Queen's Hospital, where she was pronounced dead this morning at 2:55 a.m.

Police said this morning they had not determined whether the rifle was aimed at anyone.

Police said the man was booked for second-degree assault, fourth-degree criminal property damage and two counts of third-degree assault.