Suspects sought in
death of homeless
man

The victim died after one suspect
allegedly hit him in the face

Honolulu police are investigating the death of a homeless man who died days after taking a punch to the face in Waikiki last week.

The victim, identified as Richard Kennell, 49, was with another homeless man near Duke's Lane on Kuhio Avenue when they were approached by two men about 9 p.m. on Oct. 26.

An argument started and one of the suspects hit Kennell.

"Once the argument started, a fist flew and apparently it was just one hit to the face, and that took him down," said CrimeStoppers Detective Letha DeCaires. "At the time it didn't look too serious because he actually kind of woke up when the ambulance came, but then he was not able to answer any questions very intelligently.

"So they took him to the hospital ... it was some sort of head injury, and he ended up dying."

DeCaires said the victim died on Oct. 30. The suspects were last seen walking in the Koko Head direction along Kuhio Avenue.

The first suspect who allegedly threw the punch was described as in his early 20s, 6 feet with a medium build, short dark hair, and a dark complexion. He was last seen wearing a dark T-shirt with a Hawaiian Surfrider design, and dark pants.

The second suspect was described as also being in his early 20s, 6 feet with a medium build, short dark hair, and a dark complexion. Police said the suspects look similar and could be related.

Anyone with information about the case can contact Detective Roland Takasato at 529-3834. Anonymous calls can be made to CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or by dialing *CRIME on a cellular telephone.