Posted on: Thursday, December 9, 2004

Pair charged in ice-deal shotgun killing

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

Two men were charged yesterday in connection with the shotgun slaying of a man Nov. 19 in 'Ewa Beach.

Justin Luhia, 24, is accused of shooting Joseph Halbuna, 44, in the face with a shotgun as Halbuna sat in a car in the parking lot of One'ula Beach Park, also known as Hau Bush. Police said Alexander Akuna Jr., 29, was with Luhia when Halbuna was shot, and both men got into a car driven by a woman and fled.

The woman, Chantell Pinero, 28, turned herself in to police on Dec. 1. Akuna and Luhia were captured Monday afternoon at a Lusitana Street apartment.

According to a police affidavit, Luhia and Akuna went to Hau Bush on Nov. 19 to buy ice from homeless people at the park. Halbuna agreed to sell the drug to one of the men. The affidavit said Akuna pointed two guns at an acquaintance of Halbuna's and threatened to shoot him if Halbuna didn't turn over the drugs and leave without being paid. During the confrontation, Luhia shot Halbuna. Luhia and Akuna then fled in Pinero's Mazda van.

Luhia was charged with second-degree murder, attempted murder, three weapons offenses, and unauthorized entry into a motorized vehicle. Police charged Akuna with robbery and unauthorized entry into a motorized vehicle.

Both men were being held yesterday in lieu of $500,000 bail.

Reach Curtis Lum at 525-8025 or culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.