The trial of Toi Nofoa on 2008 charges of kidnapping, assaulting and terrorizing his ex-girlfriend, Royal Kaukani, was delayed yesterday to September in the aftermath of charges that Nofoa murdered Kaukani last week.

Nofoa failed to appear in court in the kidnapping case March 5 and Circuit Judge Randal Lee issued a bench warrant for his arrest that was outstanding when Nofoa allegedly shot Kaukani to death on a quiet 'Ewa Beach residential street March 17.

Police said they were actively trying to find Nofoa to arrest him on the warrant when he allegedly fired two gunshots to the head of Kaukani and fled on a motorcycle.

Nofoa, 31, was bound over for trial Tuesday on charges of first-degree murder and firearms violations.

His brother, Richard Taifane, testified Tuesday that Nofoa admitted in a telephone conversation shortly after the shooting that he had killed Kaukani.

The first-degree murder charge, which carries a penalty of life in prison without parole, was filed against him because Kaukani was to be a witness against him in the kidnapping case.

Nofoa allegedly forced Kaukani into a red 2002 Isuzu Rodeo at gunpoint on Sept. 11, 2008, in a parking lot at the Ko Olina Resort, where she worked. Police said a security guard had escorted Kau-kani to her vehicle, where she and Nofoa talked amicably, but then she was forced into his vehicle at gunpoint.

Nofoa allegedly drove to Hale'iwa, where Kaukani escaped with help from a bystander after Nofoa stopped at a gas station/convenience store to buy alcohol.

Judge Lee yesterday re- scheduled Nofoa's trial to the week of Sept. 7, ruling that the delay was caused by Nofoa's failure to appear in court March 5.

Nofoa will be arraigned Monday morning in the murder case. He is in custody, unable to post $4 million bail.