A second man, Taliau Tauvela-Afalava, 31, of Aiea, Hawaii, was charged and appeared in court on Mar. 10 for his alleged role in a murder connected to methamphetamine trafficking. The superseding indictment names Tauvela-Afalava as a co-defendant with Filimone Tavake, 38, of San Francisco, who was previously indicted by a grand jury on March 21 and arrested the following day.
The case centers on the March 27, 2021 killing of a victim who allegedly failed to pay for methamphetamine. According to court documents, Tauvela-Afalava and Tavake are accused of shooting the victim multiple times outside his home as part of a drug distribution conspiracy. Surveillance footage reportedly showed a vehicle without license plates near the scene before the shooting. Two men were seen walking toward the victim’s residence shortly before gunshots were heard; they then ran back toward the vehicle. Investigators later identified and located this vehicle and linked its infotainment system to phone numbers associated with both defendants.
Tauvela-Afalava faces charges including carrying, using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime; causing death through use of a firearm; killing while engaged in conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; and conspiracy itself. If convicted, he faces at least 20 years in prison with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
United States Attorney Ken Sorenson said: “The Second Superseding Indictment charging Taliau Tauvela-Afalava as the second shooter in the death of victim Malakai Maumalanga demonstrates our firm commitment to investigating and charging the violent crime often associated with drug trafficking.”
FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter said: “These allegations underscore the devastating reality that where illegal drugs flow, violence inevitably follows. The FBI, alongside our local partners, is committed to protecting our communities by removing the most violent offenders from our streets.” Lieutenant Deena Thoemmes from HPD’s Homicide Detail added: “The Honolulu Police Department worked closely with the FBI during this investigation. We remain committed to partnering with federal authorities to hold those responsible for violent crimes accountable.”
Authorities remind that all charges are accusations at this stage; any defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Sentencing would be determined by a United States District Judge if there is a conviction.
