Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 45 year-old Elswood E. Noeau of Puna was sentenced to a ten-year prison term for kidnapping and felony abuse charges related to an incident involving his estranged girlfriend that occurred on Christmas Eve at a Hilo residence. Last Thursday, Noeau appeared in Hilo Circuit Court. After receiving his sentence, he was taken into custody to begin serving his ten-year term.

On May 7, 2024, Noeau entered “No Contest” pleas to charges of Kidnapping (restrained another person with intent to inflict bodily injury upon the person) and Felony Abuse of a Family or Household Member (physical abuse in the presence of minors, who are family or household members and less than fourteen years of age). According to police reports, the incident occurred after Noeau’s estranged girlfriend arrived at Noeau’s residence to allow their three minor-aged children to visit him for the Christmas holiday.

Kidnapping is a class B felony offense punishable by either a ten-year prison term or four years probation and up to eighteen months in jail. Felony Abuse is a class C felony offense punishable by either a five-year prison term or four years probation and up to twelve months in jail.

The case was initiated by South Hilo Patrol and the felony investigation was led by Detective Clarence Acob, Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Heipua Ah Loy.

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

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.