19-Year-Old Charged in Kapolei Shooting of Mainland Contractors

Suspect arrested for attempted murder and firearm offenses after Sunday night incident

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

A 19-year-old man named Keanu Wallace has been charged with attempted murder and firearm offenses after allegedly shooting two contract workers from the mainland in front of a Taco Bell in Kapolei, Hawaii on Sunday night. The two victims, ages 40 and 42, were taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds, with the 40-year-old man in critical condition. Wallace was arrested on Wednesday along with a 16-year-old girl, and is being held on $1 million bail.

Why it matters

The shooting of the mainland contractors in a public place like a Taco Bell parking lot has raised concerns about public safety and gun violence in the Kapolei area. The fact that the victims were out-of-state contractors working in Hawaii also adds an additional layer of concern for the local community.

The details

According to police, the two victims had rented a gray 2022 Ford Explorer and were parked in the Taco Bell lot when they were allegedly shot by a gunman wearing all black and a ski mask. The 40-year-old man was driving the vehicle, while the 42-year-old man was a passenger. Honolulu police say they interviewed numerous witnesses, reviewed surveillance footage, and examined evidence before arresting Wallace and the 16-year-old girl on Wednesday.

  • The shooting occurred around 9:05 p.m. on Sunday, February 19, 2026.
  • Wallace and the 16-year-old girl were arrested at 2:50 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Keanu Wallace

A 19-year-old man charged with attempted murder and firearm offenses for the shooting.

The 40-year-old victim

One of the two mainland contractors shot, who was driving the rented Ford Explorer and is in critical condition.

The 42-year-old victim

The other mainland contractor shot, who was a passenger in the vehicle and is in stable condition.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Wallace is being held on $1 million bail, and the judge will determine if he will be allowed out on bail at a future court hearing.

The takeaway

This shooting highlights the ongoing concerns about gun violence and public safety in the Kapolei area, especially when it involves out-of-state workers. It will be important for the community and local authorities to work together to address the root causes of such incidents and ensure the safety of all residents and visitors.