Man Accused in Murder at Kaʻa Point Pleads Not Guilty

A Haʻikū man charged with second degree murder in connection with the death of a man at Kaʻa Point in Kahului, pleaded not guilty in Wailuku District Court yesterday.

Twenty-four-year-old Healohaomakanaamekai Akahi Pua is accused of “intentionally or knowingly” causing the death of 39-year-old Michael Colby on March 19, 2016.

According to testimony from a preliminary hearing last week, the two were involved in a fight that stemmed from a confrontation over an alleged near vehicle collision involving Akahi Pua’s friend.

The case will proceed with a pre-trial conference on Thursday, June 23^rd.

Healohaomakanaamekai Akahi Pua. (5.10.16)

Healohaomakanaamekai Akahi Pua (left) speaking with Deputy Public Defender Jim Rouse. (5.10.16)

Healohaomakanaamekai Akahi Pua (left) and Deputy Public Defender Jim Rouse. (5.10.16)

Healohaomakanaamekai Akahi Pua (left) and Deputy Public Defender Jim Rouse. (5.10.16)

Maui Judge Richard Bissen. (5.10.16) Photo by Wendy Osher.