Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Kona man, 53 year-old Glendon Nakata, was sentenced to serve a ten (10) year prison term in relation to a December 3, 2021 domestic abuse incident. Nakata, who remained in custody after being denied bail throughout the majority of the pendency of these proceedings, appeared in Kona Circuit Court on Friday where his sentence was handed down. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chase Murray argued for the imposition of the maximum penalties for both charges.
On May 20, 2022, Nakata pleaded “Guilty” to charges of Attempted Assault in the First Degree (intentionally engaged in conduct, impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of another person by applying pressure on the throat or neck with his hands and/or fingers and/or a ligature, under circumstances as he believed them to be, constituted a substantial step in a course of conduct intended or known to be practically certain to cause serious bodily injury to another person) and Felony Abuse of Family or Household Member (causing bodily injury by impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood by applying pressure on the throat or the neck with a ligature). Attempted Assault in the First Degree is a class B felony offense punishable by a maximum penalty of ten (10) years in prison. Felony Abuse of Family or Household Member is a class C felony offense punishable by a maximum penalty of five (5) years in prison.
The investigation was handled by Officer Manuel Soares IV, Kona Patrol, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chase Murray.
“Today’s sentencing communicates our Office’s commitment to seeking justice for victims of domestic violence and holding offenders accountable for their actions,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen. “I am extremely grateful and proud of the diligent efforts of the police, victim advocates, and prosecutors who work together to break the cycle of domestic violence by supporting, encouraging, and empowering survivors.”
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. They 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.