27 year-old Adam Kahekili Kepoo of Honoka‘a must serve ten years in prison before being eligible for parole. The Hawai‘i Paroling Authority set Kepoo’s minimum term at the maximum of ten years following an October 24, 2022 hearing. He will not be eligible for release until April 22, 2031.

In December of 2021, Kepoo was sentenced to ten years in prison for seven felony offenses, including a single count each of Kidnapping (restraining another person with the intent to inflict bodily injury upon that person) and Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree (with the use of a dangerous instrument, a knife), 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 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). Kidnapping, the most serious offense, is a class B felony which carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison.

All of Kepoo’s crimes were committed against the same woman during their three-month relationship.

The case was initiated by Sergeant Thomas Chun-Ming, South Kohala Patrol, and the felony investigation was handled by Detective Brandon Mansur, Area II Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department and prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Annaliese Wolf.

“Domestic abuse is a serious problem in our community and a top priority of our Office,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen in a statement. Waltjen continued, “This prosecution reflects the commitment of our Office and the Hawai‘i Police Department to hold offenders accountable for their actions and seek justice for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and violence.”

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney