19-year-old Naalehu woman charged with murder after Ka‘u stabbing

KEALAKEKUA — A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday for a Naalehu woman accused of stabbing a woman to death and seriously injuring a man in Ka‘u last week.

Kaleianuenue Borero-Kaluna, 19, appeared in Kona District Court Monday on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder. Charges stem from a stabbing at Whittington Beach Park in Naalehu, Friday afternoon.

Hawaii Intake Service Center’s bail study indicated supervised release was not recommended at this time.

Deputy Public Defender Ann Datta asked the court to reduce bail and grant supervised release.

“She is eight months pregnant and she has extensive family support,” Datta said.

Deputy Prosecutor Stephen Frye argued for bail to be adjusted to the charges listed.

“Theses offenses are serious and she is a flight risk,” he said.

Datta agreed the charges were serious, adding Borero-Kaluna has a place to live if she is released.

“This is a sad case, your honor,” Datta said.

Originally set at $200,000, Judge Margaret Masunaga reduced bail to $150,000 to reflect the filed charges. Borero-Kaluna is also being held on $150 bail in connection to a contempt of court charge.

Hawaii Police first responded to the reported stabbing on Friday at about 3:40 p.m. at Whittington Beach Park. When they arrived on scene, officers found two victims, a 36-year-old man and 35-year-old woman with multiple stab wounds.

The woman died at the scene. The man was taken to Hilo Medical Center in serious condition. As of Monday, the victim is stable and continues to be treated for his injuries at the hospital.

Robert Hayes, 69, of Naalehu, was initially arrested on Friday on suspicion of attempted first-degree murder and other related charges. He has since been released pending further investigation.