Honolulu police are investigating a homicide in Hawaii Kai involving a mother and her adult son. According to court documents cited by KITV, Micah Auna, 29, is accused of killing his mother, Michele Hanapi-Auna. Police reported that when officers arrived at the home, Auna told them his mother had “molested” him and his cousin. Officers then found Hanapi-Auna’s body inside the house, covered with towels and showing signs of blunt-force injuries. Auna has claimed the killing was in self-defense. The case remains under investigation.
During a recent court appearance, Auna attempted to speak to the judge, stating, "Your Honor, it was self defense," before being stopped by his attorney, as reported by Hawaii News Now. He continued to make comments while being escorted out, claiming self-defense and saying he was not granted a phone call or a lawyer, as he now faces a second-degree murder charge with bail set at $500,000 and a preliminary hearing scheduled on Friday.
The victim was remembered by friends as "Michelle, also known as Miki, was a vibrant, beautiful, shining kanaka wahine" and "There was no ill bone in her body. She was just golden," reflecting the impact of her loss on the community. In an interview with Hawaii News Now, longtime friend Malia Marquez described Michelle as calm and loving and urged attention to broader issues such as mental health resources for Native Hawaiians.
