Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Kea’au man, 28-year-old Alexander Kauwe, was charged with kidnapping and felony abuse related to an incident that occurred on September 18th.

As the Complaint alleges, Kauwe was charged with six (6) offenses including Kidnapping, Felony Abuse of Family or Household Member, two counts of Misdemeanor Abuse of Family or Household Member, Interference with Reporting an Emergency or Crime, and Terroristic Threatening in the Second Degree. The most serious offense, Kidnapping, is a class B felony offense that carries a maximum penalty of ten (10) years in prison. At the time of his arrest, Kauwe was also wanted for an unrelated district court bench warrant.

Kauwe, who remains in custody in lieu of $38,000.00 bail will make his initial appearance today in Hilo District Court.

The lead investigator was Detective Gavin Kagimoto, Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Suzanna Tiapula.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please go to a safe place and call a trusted friend or relative for support. If you choose, you can call 911 to report the abuse to the police. The Child and Family Service 24-Hour Abuse Hotline has 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.

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.#hawaiiprosecutors