16 Jul 2014

Former husband of Tongan Princess killed in Hawaii

7:26 am on 16 July 2014

The former husband of Tongan Princess, Mele Siu'ilikutapu, has died in Hawaii after it appears he was shot in the head.

Kaniva News reports family have confirmed that Joshua Tu'iono Liava'a, who was also a former New Zealand policeman, died in Kahaluu yesterday after a shooting incident.

Honolulu Police have arrested a Tongan man, 18-year-old Samuela Mataele, in connection with Mr Liava'a's death following a seven hour manhunt.

Hawaii Now News reports police as saying the accused fired one round from a rifle, hitting a 65-year-old man in the head.

Mr Liava'a is survived by his wife Victoria Liava'a also known as Leti Pikokivaka and his children with former wives.

He married Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu in 1969 in Auckland, New Zealand but the marriage was later annulled under a royal command, and the princess was dragged back to Nuku'alofa, Tonga.

A meeting has been arranged for the family in Auckland, New Zealand to organise for Liava'a's funeral.