Honolulu police arrested a 24-year-old Kalihi man Sunday in connection with a fatal stabbing in Ma­puna­puna earlier in the day.

According to police, the suspect stabbed a 59-year-old man multiple times during an argument at an encampment of homeless people near Kili­hau and Ma­puna­puna streets. The incident happened at about 6:10 a.m.

Emergency Medical Services transported the victim in extremely critical condition to a local hospital, where he later died.

The suspect, who fled, was found at a grocery store on Gulick Street at about 1:30 p.m. A witness to the earlier incident identified the suspect, and police arrested him on suspicion of second-degree murder.

Authorities haven’t identified the victim, but homeless people in the area said he has been on the streets for years and was known by his friends as "Wongie."

The stabbing happened in a large encampment under Nim­­itz Highway. Billy Smith, 47, said he saw the fight unfold and tried to get the victim help.

He said the suspect approached the victim angrily about a "drug deal that went bad," and the two argued.

After the stabbing, Smith called 911. Others also tried to render aid, Smith said.

Smith said he was "stunned" by the stabbing.

He knows the suspect and the victim well. The suspect, he said, started frequenting Ma­­pun­a­puna a few months ago, and Smith had given him food on several occasions.

Police have asked any witnesses to call police or CrimeStoppers at 955-8300.