3.9K
Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Kea‘au man, 23-year-old Eric-John Semana appeared for sentencing on October 28th in relation to two separate incidents, a negligent homicide that occurred in February 2016 and a subsequent felony resist order to stop case which occurred in June 2020. Despite Prosecutors’ arguments and justification for a prison term, Semana was sentenced to concurrent probation sentences by Circuit Court Judge Henry Nakamoto.
Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Kea‘au man, 23-year-old Eric-John Semana appeared for sentencing on October 28th in relation to two separate incidents, a negligent homicide that occurred in February 2016 and a subsequent felony resist order to stop case which occurred in June 2020. Despite Prosecutors’ arguments and justification for a prison term, Semana was sentenced to concurrent probation sentences by Circuit Court Judge Henry Nakamoto.
At the time of the June 2020 incident, Semana was out on bail and pending sentencing for the negligent homicide case. In that case, Semana, who was 18 years old at the time, lost control of his Toyota Corolla, striking a fence fronting a Volcano property, and resulting in the death of one of his three 18-year-old passengers. In February 2020, Semana entered a “No Contest” plea to Negligent Homicide in the Second Degree in an agreement where both parties were free to argue for any legal sentencing including the maximum five (5) year prison term. In April 2020, Prosecutors filed a written sentencing recommendation urging the Court to impose the maximum sentence.
Following Semana’s June 2020 arrest, Prosecutors filed a motion to revoke his bail in the negligent homicide case and he remained in custody until his April 2021 change of plea hearing in the resist order to stop the case.
On April 22, 2021, Semana entered “No Contest” pleas to Resisting an Order to Stop a Motor Vehicle in the First Degree and Reckless Driving in relation to the June 2020 incident. After accepting his pleas, Judge Nakamoto granted Semana’s request for supervised release over the Prosecutors’ objections.
On October 28, 2021, Semana appeared with counsel for sentencing in both cases, after considering arguments by both the Prosecutors and defense counsel and in consideration of their written recommendations, Judge Nakamoto sentenced Semana to four (4) years probation and one (1) year of jail. Semana was given credit for time served of approximately ten (10) months, and the remaining balance was taken under advisement.
The investigation for the negligent homicide case was handled by the Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit, Hawai‘i Police Department. The investigation for the resist order to stop case was handled Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit and South Hilo Patrol, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Suzanna Tiapula.
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.
