Micah Auna, 29, of Honolulu, is accused of murdering his mother, Michele Hanapi-Auna. He pleaded not guilty during his Monday court appearance, where moments of unruly behavior raised questions about his mental state, KHON2 reported. During the hearing, Judge Clarissa Malinao instructed Auna not to speak, warning that comments could be used against him.
According to KITV, after his request to represent himself was denied, Auna appeared in court with a public defender, wearing a jumpsuit. His trial is scheduled to begin March 9. Auna is charged with the murder of his mother, 60-year-old Michele Hanapi-Auna, whose body was discovered by Honolulu Police on Dec. 20, 2025. He is being held without bail at the Oahu Community Correctional Center.
Auna’s decision to represent himself has drawn attention from legal experts. “Anytime you see a case where a child is accused of murdering their parents, the first thing you think is some type of mental illness or drug addiction,” defense attorney Victor Bakke told KHON2. Meanwhile, Auna’s cousin, Keomailani Thurston, was arrested but later released pending investigation.
Thurston told KHON2, “My aunty, she got hurt by my cousin, and that's all I can say.” Auna has claimed he was abused by his mother. If found mentally fit to stand trial and convicted, he faces life in prison without parole, Hoodline reported.
The broader community remains in shock over the incident, with friends remembering Michele Hanapi-Auna as a "vibrant, beautiful, shining kanaka wahine." Malia Marquez, a longtime friend, told Hoodline that Michele was "calm and loving" and passionately spoke on the need for mental health resources for Native Hawaiians.
