Posted on: Thursday, May 6, 2004

Two men indicted in fatal beating

Associated Press

Two men were indicted by an O'ahu grand jury yesterday on second-degree murder charges in connection with the April 19 beating death of Mikiala Kahalewai outside a Kona Street nightclub.

Witnesses told police that Ulutunu Faumuina Jr. became angry after Kahalewai, 26, urinated in his truck. The witnesses said Faumuina knocked Kahalewai to the ground and was one of three men who beat him.

According to information presented in court, Faumuina, 23, has no criminal convictions and is employed as a laborer at a cemetery.

Also indicted was John Wilfred Penitani, who witnesses said participated in the beating. According to information presented in court, Penitani has not been seen since the day after the beating and is believed to have fled to California. Penitani had been employed as a bouncer.

Bail was set at $100,000 for each of the men.