Police charge 2
in deadly encounter

Two men were charged yesterday in connection with the killing of a 45-year-old homeless man who was shot in the mouth last month during an attempted drug deal in Ewa Beach.

Justin Luhia, 24, was charged with second-degree murder, attempted murder, weapons offenses and unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle.

Alexander Akuna Jr., 28, was charged with armed robbery and unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle.

On Nov. 19 the victim, Joseph Halbuna, was seated in his car at Oneula Beach Park, an area commonly known as "Hau Bush," when he was shot at close range with a shotgun, police said.

A Mazda van was spotted on the beach between 10 and 11 a.m. with a female driver and two male passengers. The men were allegedly trying to buy crystal methamphetamine from people camping on the beach, according to police.

Akuna, who was identified as the man in the back seat of the van, allegedly pointed two guns at an acquaintance of Halbuna and threatened to shoot him if he did not turn over the drugs and leave, according to a police affidavit. Luhia was identified as the front seat passenger, who allegedly shot and killed Halbuna. The three fled in the van, but Chantell Pinero, the driver, turned herself in to police Dec. 1.

Police arrested the two men Monday at a Lusitana Street apartment. Another man, Henry Akuna, 29, who is also wanted in connection with the case, remains at large.

Luhia has five prior convictions, mostly misdemeanors, including two assault cases. Alexander Akuna has 11 prior convictions, mostly felonies, including kidnapping and theft.