Kona Man Sentenced to Prison on Sex Assault, Drug Charges

A Kona man was sentenced to up to five years in prison after pleading no contest to sexual assault charge involving a minor.

On Friday, Nov. 19, 45-year-old Waynerichard Ho appeared in Kona’s 3rd Circuit Court before Judge Wendy DeWeese for sentencing to a single count each of third-degree sexual assault and third-degree promoting of a detrimental drug.

Charges stem from an incident that occurred on Jan. 5, 2020, incident involving a minor. Ho pleaded no contest to both offenses in July.

DeWeese sentenced Ho to a five-year prison term for the sexual assault offense and 30 days incarceration for the drug charge. Ho was remanded back into custody as he was out on bail for the duration of the criminal proceedings.

As a part of his sentence, Ho will also have to register as a sex offender.

“A child victim’s safety and well-being are always top priorities. Our Office consults with a child victim and their family and considers any revictimization concerns, before any resolutions are contemplated in cases like this. We hope that today’s sentencing offers the victim and her family some closure and provides her with an opportunity to heal from this traumatic experience,” said Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen.