Puna Man Sentenced to 10 years for Domestic Abuse

A 26-year-old Puna man was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in prison for domestic abuse, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced on Thursday, Aug. 11.

Douglas Wayne Soares, Jr. was sentenced for the Feb. 28, 2021, incident involving Soares’ teenage girlfriend.

Prosecutors argued for the imposition of the maximum penalties for each of the charges. Soares was sentenced to a 10-year prison term for first-degree assault, the maximum term, and five years for each of his felony abuse charges, also the maximum, to be served concurrently.

On March 14, Soares pleaded guilty to four offenses, assault and three counts of felony abuse of a family or household member.

The investigation was initiated by South Hilo Patrol and the felony investigation was
handled by Officer Corey Kaneko, Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lucas Burns.

“There is no sentence that can erase what happened, however, I hope it brings forth some
sort of healing for the victim and her family,” said Waltjen stated. “Yesterday’s sentencing communicates our office’s commitment to seek justice for child victims of domestic and dating violence and to hold these dangerous offenders accountable for their actions. I am extremely grateful and proud of the hardworking police, victim advocates, and prosecutors who fight against domestic and dating violence in our community.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, go to a safe place
and call a trusted friend or relative for support. If you choose, you can call 911 to report the
abuse to the police. The Child and Family Service 24-Hour Abuse Hotline has advocates
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support and advocacy. They can be reached at 808-322-7233 in West Hawai‘i and 808-959-8864 in East Hawai‘i.