Fern Forest Man Sentenced to Prison on Domestic Violence Charges

A Fern Forest man was sentenced up to five years in prison for two seperate domestic violence incidents that occurred in 2019 and 2020.

Twenty-eight-year-old Dean Aaron Hess appeared virtually before 3rd Circuit Court Judge Peter Kubota from Hawaii Community Correctional Center on Wednesday, July 21. Hess pleaded no contest to the charges in March.

On Wednesday, Kubota imposed the maximum five-year sentence second-degree assault and second-degree burglary, both class C felonies, and the maximum one year sentence for misdemeanor Abuse of Family of Household Member (two counts).

“Today’s sentencing hearing, serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues involving domestic abuse in our community. Again, we encourage those experiencing domestic abuse to seek support and assistance and develop a safety plan. Our Office is committed to coordinating with service providers and community stakeholders to increase survivor safety and work with law enforcement to ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen.

Hawai‘i Police Department reached out to the public in July 2020 for assistance Hess, who was described as armed and dangerous. Hess was wanted for an outstanding arrest warrant, as well as for questioning relative to several unrelated criminal investigations, including felony terroristic threatening and assault, and abuse.