Texeira, Kona accused of murder

LIHUE — The trial for two men charged with murder has been continued.

Koma Texeira and Clayton Kona, both of Waimea, were scheduled to go to trial Monday in front of Judge Randal Valenciano on charges connected to the 2016 death of Jon Togioka.

But Texeira’s lawyer, Craig De Costa, asked to continue the proceedings.

“I intend to file motions before trial, and they should be ready to file by the end of the week,” De Costa said.

Kona’s lawyer, Mark Zenger, requested the same course for his client.

Police believe Texeira and Kona are connected to the death of Togioka, whose body was found on Nov. 1, 2016 by a person walking along the shoreline near the Port Allen Airport.

An autopsy later confirmed Togioka, who lived in Kekaha, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and his death was ruled a homicide.

Texeira, 20, is charged with second-degree murder, carrying a firearm in commission of a separate felony, possession of a firearm and two counts of ownership or possession of a firearm.

He was arrested on Nov. 4.

Texeira is also facing charges in a pending drug case of promoting a dangerous drug, drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of ammunition charges. He is set to go to trial in that case in April.

The state named Kona, 38, an accomplice in Togioka’s case, according to the complaint.

He has been charged with accomplice to second-degree murder, carrying or use of a firearm in commission of a separate felony, two counts of ownership or possession of a firearm and place to keep a pistol or revolver.

Kona was arrested Nov. 3.

He is serving two years probation after being convicted of a family abuse charge in October. He also has three contempt-of-court convictions

On Monday, as attention turned to setting a new trial date, Valenciano suggested setting it for late July. But De Costa said Texeira wants to go to trial sooner.

“My client wants a speedy trial,” he said.

The trial for both men is scheduled June 26.