Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Mountain View man, 40 year-old Kapena Kapono Kuahiwinui, was sentenced to the maximum penalty, a five (5) year prison term for habitual DUI on Friday in Kona Circuit Court. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kate Perazich.
On December 23, 2021, a Kona jury found Kuahiwinui “Guilty” as charged of Habitually Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant (“Habitual OVUII (DUI)”) which is a class C felony offense. On Friday he appeared in Kona Circuit Court for his sentencing hearing. The lead investigators were Officers Brian Beckwith, South Kohala Patrol, and Adam Cho, Area II Vice Section, formerly of Kona Patrol, Hawai‘i Police Department.
“Today’s sentencing communicates the seriousness of these types of offenses and our Office’s commitment to hold offenders accountable for their selfish choice to drive while impaired and jeopardize the safety of our community,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen. “Impaired driving has contributed to several tragic recent events and should serve as a reminder to all to think before you decide to drink and drive.”
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.
