Habitual DUI Offender Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison

A 40-year-old Mountain View man was sentenced to five years in prison for habitual DUI.

Kapena Kapono Kuahiwinui received the maximum penalty possible for the offense on Friday, March 4 in Kona Circuit Court, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen stated in a press release.

On Dec. 23, 2021, a Kona jury found Kuahiwinui guilty of habitually operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, a class C felony offense.

“Today’s sentencing communicates the seriousness of these types of offenses and our office’s commitment to hold offenders accountable for their selfish choice to drive while impaired and jeopardize the safety of our community,” Waltjen stated in a news release. “Impaired driving has contributed to several tragic recent events and should serve as a reminder to all to think before you decide to drink and drive.”