Thomas Craig Piiliouka Malone was a father, son, brother, and friend known for his big personality, protective nature, and sense of humor. Born and raised on the Windward side of Oʻahu with roots in Kailua, Waimānalo, and Kāneʻohe, the 30-year-old male was remembered by his family as someone who "loved hard" and would be the first to help a person in need. His father, Michael, said he had "the heart of a lion."
Thomas was a gifted athlete who, while at Kaiser High School, became a state champion in football, track, and soccer all in the same year. His former coach, Rich Miano, recalled him as an "extremely talented and extremely respectful" young man. He went on to play football at the City College of San Francisco, earning an Associate of Arts degree, before building a career in Hawaiʻi's film industry as a Head and Lead Greensman with IATSE Local 665.
Above all, Thomas was a devoted father. He leaves behind a daughter, Alia Mailani, and two sons, Saint Thomas and Mateus. At the time of his death, his girlfriend, Skye, was expecting their first child together. His family was his world, and he was working hard to build a life for them. His loved ones hoped he would be remembered not for the tragedy that took him, but for the man he was: a father figure to younger boys in his neighborhood, a loyal friend who could fill a room with laughter, and a protector for those he cared about.
The evening of Saturday, September 26, 2026, was shattered by sudden violence in a place many considered safe. An argument that began between two groups at the Kailua Fall Festival, an event attended by hundreds of people, spilled into the nearby Target parking lot at 345 Hahani Street. Around 8:30 p.m., amidst the escalating dispute, a woman allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot Thomas. First responders arrived to a chaotic scene and performed chest compressions, but it was too late. Thomas Malone was pronounced dead at the scene from a single gunshot wound to the neck. The city's Department of the Medical Examiner later ruled his death a homicide.
The shooting shocked the Kailua community. A performer at the festival took to the stage to decry the violence, saying, "that’s not what we’re about in Hawaii nei, here in Hawaii nei we’re all about aloha." A manager at a nearby business noted how jarring the incident was in an area perceived as calm and safe, especially with a police presence for the festival. In the days that followed, a growing memorial of flowers, photos, and handwritten notes marked the spot where Thomas lost his life, as friends and family gathered to grieve and honor his memory.
The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) launched an immediate investigation. Detectives from the homicide detail and video forensic unit began reviewing surveillance footage from the festival and surrounding businesses. They also issued a public plea for any photos or videos taken in the area that night, believing even seemingly unrelated recordings could hold important clues. The investigation quickly led to a suspect. On Monday, September 28, just before 11 p.m., Crime Reduction Unit officers located and arrested 24-year-old Hilinaikailimakualopali Keeno.
On September 30, 2026, the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney charged Keeno with Murder in the Second Degree, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Separate Felony, and a place-to-keep firearm offense. An Oahu grand jury indicted her on October 2, and her bail was set at $1 million. Court records indicated Keeno had no prior criminal history. While the criminal case proceeded, separate court documents from earlier in the year showed that Malone's estranged wife had obtained a two-year protective order against him, citing allegations of domestic violence and threats, which Malone had denied in court.
In the wake of their devastating loss, Thomas's family created a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses and to provide support for his children. The fundraiser described him as a protector who was deeply loved by his father, Michael; his mother, Brandie; his step-parents, Jolynn and Mark; his siblings, Tatum, Nani, Michael, and Cade; and his grandmother, Nan. "His story does not end with how we lost him," the family wrote. "It continues through his children, through his family, through his friends, and through every person who carries a memory of Thomas with them." A candlelight vigil, "Remembering Tommy," was held in the Target parking lot on October 2, 2026.
As of October 2026, the case against Hilinaikailimakualopali Keeno is proceeding through the court system. The Honolulu Police Department's investigation remains ongoing, and they continue to encourage anyone with information about the shooting to contact CrimeStoppers Honolulu at 808-955-8300 or call 911.
