Memorial set for Kahealani
By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer
Candles will glow once more for Kahealani Indreginal, and Christmas lights will, too.
Today marks one year since the 11-year-old Makalapa girl was murdered, her body found three days later in 'Aiea Heights. Legal wrangling has postponed until March 1 the trial of her accused killer, Christopher Aki, delaying fulfillment of her family's one desire.
KEHEALANI
"We are going to get justice for Kahea," said her mother, Lehua Mamala-Tumbaga, a note of determination in her voice.
Although their grief is not fully resolved, Kahealani's extended family — including neighbors in the Pu'uwai Momi housing project — believe it's time for a holiday observance: a celebration of a child's life and a thank-you to the community that cared for her.
The family will sponsor a memorial for Kahealani from 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday and is inviting everyone to Pu'uwai Momi for refreshments and music, including a performance by Kapena.
Mamala-Tumbaga said people are asked to bring an ornament and to help decorate a special Christmas tree for a beloved little girl. The tree later will be donated in her memory to Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children.
Afterward, Mamala-Tumbaga said, they will light candles again, exactly one year after the candlelight vigil held the night that Kahealani's beaten body was found off 'Aiea Loop Trail.
Aki, who was the boyfriend of Kahealani's half sister Tanya Mamala-Tumbaga, will be tried on charges of second-degree murder in the case. He is being held in lieu of $5 million bail.
Still unresolved is whether Aki's reported confession to police will be admissible as evidence at the trial.
His public defender, Todd Eddins, has argued that police had viewed Aki as a suspect when they interviewed him Dec. 13 but had questioned him without the required Miranda warning.
Circuit Judge Lea Crandall heard Eddins' arguments in August but hasn't ruled on the point.
The issue delayed Aki's trial, originally set for Sept. 15.
That has frustrated Lehua Mamala-Tumbaga and her ex-husband, Vincent Indreginal, but family has gathered to give them a moment's respite.
One such message came from Lehua's sister-in-law, Lori Moreno.
"All of the problems they've been going through has been going to court," Moreno said. "I told her, 'Justice is being done; let's just do the memorial service for the girl. ... All you have to know is your child is doing well right now. Concentrate on the living.' "
She paused.
"My parents are gone, so Kahea is with them now," she said.
There is new life. Tanya gave birth May 31 to a daughter, Emerald, whose string of Hawaiian names includes Kahealani.
And Lehua believes her daughter still lives in spirit.
"She's alive, she's still doing her work," she said. "Kahea is a role model. When (police) come to schools, they talk about how Kahea was, and what to be aware of.
"I want everyone to know that Kahealani is always going to be with us."
Reach Vicki Viotti at vviotti@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8053.
