Sat Oct 05 21:31:00 UTC 2024: ## Teenager Charged as Adult for “Execution-Style” Murder of Rancher in Makaha

**Makaha, Hawaii** – A 17-year-old Maili boy, identified as Chantston Pila Kekawa, will be transferred to the Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) by Monday, his 18th birthday. Kekawa is facing charges of second-degree murder, first-degree terroristic threatening, two felony firearm offenses, and first-degree theft for the Feb. 17 shooting death of rancher Cranston Pia in Makaha.

According to court documents, Pia was shot once in the head. His mother, who owns the Ohikilolo Ranch where Pia resided, told police that her son fired a warning shot at what he believed were wild dogs attacking his steer. Kekawa then emerged from the bushes, demanding to know why Pia had shot at his dogs, escalating the situation into a verbal altercation.

Pia’s mother attempted to intervene, but Kekawa allegedly shoved her and threatened to shoot her with a black handgun. A gunshot followed, and Pia fell to the ground. His mother called 911 and administered CPR.

Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm characterized the incident as an “execution-style murder” and charged Kekawa as an adult. Kekawa was initially arrested on Feb. 18 and held in juvenile detention. However, a Family Court judge waived jurisdiction, transferring the case to the Circuit Court’s Criminal Division.

Kekawa pleaded not guilty to the charges and is scheduled for trial on Dec. 2. He is currently being held without bail.

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