Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo woman, 66 year-old Henrietta H. Stone, has pleaded “No Contest” to the offense of Manslaughter in relation to the death of her 9 year-old granddaughter. Stone had custody of her granddaughter at the time of her death in 2016.
Manslaughter carries a penalty of either a twenty-year prison term or ten years probation and up to two years in jail. Prosecutors intend to argue for the maximum penalty.
On February 6, 2024, Stone appeared in Hilo Circuit Court where she entered a “No Contest” plea to the charge of Manslaughter. Stone, who remains in custody in lieu of $100,000.00 bail, was ordered to appear on April 16, 2024 for sentencing.
Stone is the last of the three individuals charged in relation to her granddaughter’s death. The minor’s parents, Henrietta’s daughter, Tiffany Stone, and her husband Kevin Lehano, were also convicted of Manslaughter. On March 22, 2021, Tiffany Stone was sentenced to ten years probation and two years in jail. On June 30, 2021, Lehano was also sentenced to ten years probation and two years in jail.
The felony investigation was led by Major Scott Amaral, Area I Operations Bureau, formerly a detective with the Area I Juvenile Aid Section, and assisted by members of the Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Hashizaki.
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.