Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that his office will seek the maximum ten (10) year prison term for 27-year-old Adam Kahekili Kepo‘o of Honoka‘a when he faces sentencing on December 17th.
Today, Kepo’o, who has no prior felony convictions, pleaded “No Contest” to seven (7) felony offenses including three counts of Assault in the Second Degree (two charges for causing bodily injury with a dangerous instrument and one charge of causing substantial bodily injury), two counts of Felony Abuse of a Family or Household Member (where the physical abuse consisted of causing bodily injury by impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood by applying pressure on the throat or neck), and a single count each of Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree (with the use of a dangerous instrument, a knife), and Kidnapping (restraining another person with the intent to inflict bodily injury upon that person). The offenses took place between February 1st and April 23rd of this year. Kidnapping, the most serious offense, is a class B felony punishable by a maximum penalty of ten (10) years in prison.
Circuit Court Judge Wendy DeWeese ordered Kepo’o to return to court on December 17th for his sentencing hearing. He remains in custody in lieu of $300,500.00 bail.
The investigation was handled by Sergeant Thomas Chun-Ming, South Kohala Patrol, and Detective Brandon Mansur, Area II Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Annaliese Wolf.
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 have 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
