Nearly 200 people joined the family of a slain 'Ewa woman in a silent march around the state Capitol yesterday afternoon to pay tribute to the woman and also to send a message that domestic violence will not be tolerated.

Royal Kaukani, 25, was shot to death March 17 as she sat in her sport utility vehicle just a few blocks from her home.

Kaukani's ex-boyfriend, Toi Nofoa, 31, is accused of killing her following a stormy two-year relationship that included alleged threats and assaults.

The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence organized the silent march and invited the Kaukani family and the community to participate. Kaukani's six sisters and dozens of friends and supporters wore black long-sleeved T-shirts with "Our angel in heaven" printed on the back.

Nadine Kuikahi, 27, said she hopes yesterday's march will help other women who are in abusive relationships before it's too late. Kuikahi is the second-youngest of the sisters.

"I hope this broadens awareness that you shouldn't take it lightly," Kuikahi said. "If someone tells you that their boyfriend or their other half is threatening them, to get them whatever help they can."

Kaukani had filed for temporary restraining orders against Nofoa, but she also reconciled with him and tried to help him. Kuikahi said sometimes people need to take charge and get a loved one out of a dangerous relationship.

"She really wanted to get him help. She was even taking him to anger management classes because he kept telling her that 'I cannot do it by myself. I cannot do it alone,' " Kuikahi said. "Sometimes you need somebody from the outside who can see the picture clearly. Even though we kind of urged her to see what we were seeing, it wasn't enough because when you love somebody you know your family will always be there so you just want to take that next step and be with him."

Esther De Francia, the oldest of the sisters, said her family held a similar march in their community, but wanted to join yesterday's event to show their support for Royal and other victims of domestic violence.

"She'd be proud that her sisters came and joined in this march. In fact, she'd be expecting this," De Francia said. "I'm just glad that the community wants to come out and march and support Royal and our cause."