| Joseph Kahahawai Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | 25 December 1909 Maui, Hawaii |
| Died | 8 January 1932 Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Cause of death | Homicide (.32 ACP) |
| Resting place | Puea Cemetery |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | "Joe Kalani" |
| Occupation | Boxer Guardsman |
| Known for | Rape suspect Homicide victim |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Criminal charge | Rape |
| Criminal status | Mistrial |
| Parents | Joseph Kahahawai Sr. Esther Anito |
Joseph "Joe" Kahahawai Jr. (25 December 1909 – 8 January 1932) was a Native Hawaiian prizefighter accused of the rape of Thalia Massie. He was abducted and killed after he was freed by a mistrial.
Joseph Kahahawai was born in rural Maui, 25 December 1909. His family moved to Honolulu and Kahahawai′s parents divorced. He lived with his mother, who later remarried, while Kahahawai remained in contact with his father. After elementary school Kahahawai attended Saint Louis School under a scholarship. He was recruited for the high school football team were he built up a positive reputation playing a number 38. He never graduated and worked various jobs because of the Great Depression he also enlisted in the Territorial National Guard and was in the 298th Infantry Division. Kahahawai also boxed professionally and was in the military.