29 year-old Ekolu Keolanui was indicted by a Hilo grand jury today on Murder in the Second Degree charges in relation to a 2019 homicide. The charges stem from a domestic incident that occurred on July 19, 2019 at Malama Park in Panaewa. Keolanui is alleged to have strangled his girlfriend, 24 year-old Sable Keffer-Young.

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that as the Indictment alleges, Keolanui is charged with Murder in the Second Degree (intentionally or knowingly caused the death of another person).

Keolanui is scheduled to make his initial appearance on Friday in Hilo Circuit Court. Keolanui remains in custody in lieu of $1 million bail in this case.

“Obtaining this indictment is the first step to seeking justice for Sable Keffer-Young and her ‘ohana,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen. “I’d like to recognize the hard work of Hawai‘i Police Department Detective Derek Morimoto, Lieutenant Rio Amon-Wilkins, the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, all of the officers who played a role in this investigation, and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Hashizaki, who will be handling the prosecution of this case.”

The cold case investigation was handled by Detective Derek Morimoto, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Hashizaki.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.