Jury Finds Mountain View Man Guilty of Habitual DUI

Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced on Friday, Dec. 24 that a Kona jury found a Mountain View man, 40-year-old Kapena Kapono Kuahiwinui, guilty of habitually operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant.

Judge Robert Kim ordered Kuahiwinui to return to court for his sentencing hearing on March 4. Kuahiwinui faces the possibility of a five-year prison term.

“Today’s verdict communicates our office’s commitment to hold offenders accountable for their selfish choice to drive while impaired and jeopardize the safety of our community. During this holiday season, we urge the public to plan ahead, designate a driver, and always
drive sober,” Waltjen said in a press release.

The lead investigators were officers Brian Beckwith, South Kohala Patrol, and Adam Cho,
Area II Vice Section, formerly of Kona Patrol, of the Hawai‘i Police Department. The case was
prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kate Perazich.