Today, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Fern Forest man, 28-year-old Dean Aaron Hess was sentenced to five (5) years in prison for two separate domestic violence incidents which occurred in 2019 and 2020.

Judge Peter Kubota imposed the maximum five (5) year sentence for the offenses of Assault in the Second Degree and Burglary in the Second Degree (two counts), both class C felonies, and the maximum one (1) year sentence for misdemeanor Abuse of Family of Household Member (two counts).

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Suzanna Tiapula.

“Today’s sentencing hearing serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues involving domestic abuse in our community. Again, we encourage those experiencing domestic abuse to seek support and assistance and develop a safety plan. Our Office is committed to coordinating with service providers and community stakeholders to increase survivor safety and work with law enforcement to ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please go to a safe place and call a trusted friend or relative for support. If you choose, you can phone 911 to report the incident to the police. The Child and Family Service 24-Hour Abuse Hotline have advocates available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support and advocacy and can be reached at (808) 322-7233 in West Hawai’i and (808) 959-8864 in East Hawai’i.