Family of stabbing victim seeks witnesses, information

A week after 23-year-old Brent "Keola" Kanae of Kapa­hulu was fatally stabbed at Ala Moana Center, his family remains in grief and in search of answers.

Relatives spoke with reporters at police headquarters on South Beretania Street on Tuesday morning and asked that people come forward with information.

Dale Kehau Kanae, his mother, described her son as "a loving and trusting person who had many family and friends who loved him."

Kanae, a cook at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. for about two years, was found mortally wounded in a makai stairwell near California Pizza Kitchen at the shopping center about 3 p.m. Oct. 3, police said. He had gone to the center early that day so he could have lunch with friends before beginning his shift, Dale Kanae said.

The Kanae family had just returned from a trip to Disneyland the day before the incident, and Keola had wanted to meet with friends to give them some souvenirs, his mother said. "He had a big heart and he cared about everybody, always finding the good in a person and never judging anyone," she said.

He loved his job and had a passion for hip-hop dancing. At Kalani High School he was a defensive back for the Falcons football team and played in the orchestra.

Dale Kanae said her son never got into trouble for anything and that the family has no idea why he was attacked. She urged anyone with information to come forward. "Your help could be the missing piece we need toward solving our son’s case," his mother said. "Keola surely didn’t deserve to die the way he did.

"We’re hoping somebody saw something."

Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or *CRIME on a cellphone. The public may also send anonymous texts and Web tips by texting "CS808" plus a message to 274637 (CRIMES).