Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo man, 37-year-old Christopher John Kunishige, was sentenced to a ten (10) year prison term related to incidents that occurred between November 2014 and December 2015.
In June, Kunishige entered “No Contest” pleas to a single count each of Kidnapping and Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree and two counts of Felony Abuse of Family or Household Member (impeding normal breathing and/or circulation of the blood by applying pressure on the throat or neck). After listening to arguments, Judge Peter Kubota sentenced Kunishige, to a ten (10) year prison term for the Kidnapping offense and five (5) year prison terms for the Felony Abuse and Terroristic Threatening charges. Judge Kubota ordered Kunishige, who had remained out of custody for the duration of the criminal proceedings after posting a $420,000.00 bond, to be taken into custody immediately to start serving his prison sentence. Kunishige will also have to register as a “covered offender” under HRS Section 846E-2 as an “offender against minors.”
The lead investigator for the case was Detective Jesse Kerr, Area I Vice Section, formerly of the Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sylvia Wan.
“Our Office places victim input as a priority and is always considered before any resolutions are contemplated in cases like this. Today’s sentencing communicates the seriousness of family violence, child abuse, and strangulation. We hope that it offers the victims and their families some closure and a sense that justice was served,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen.
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, please call 911. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, please call the Child Welfare Services, Child Abuse and Neglect reporting line at 1-888-380-6688. Child Welfare Services will walk you through the process on how to make a report.
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 in East Hawai‘i or (808) 329-8181 in West Hawai‘i.
