Jesse K. Olanolan, 42, of Hanalei, was convicted Tuesday of intimidating witnesses outside Hanalei Courthouse. After a one-and-a-half day trial and five prosecution witnesses, Olanolan was found guilty on two counts of intimidating a witness, said deputy prosecuting attorney Aaron
Jesse K. Olanolan, 42, of Hanalei, was convicted Tuesday of intimidating witnesses outside Hanalei Courthouse.
After a one-and-a-half day trial and five prosecution witnesses, Olanolan was found guilty on two counts of intimidating a witness, said deputy prosecuting attorney Aaron Kakinami, who prosecuted the case.
In May, Olanolan was facing trial on charges of criminal littering, and two counts of both second-degree criminal trespass and harassment, when he apparently intimidated the witnesses who were at court to testify against him.
The littering and trespassing charges were later dismissed.
Kakinami called the two witnesses, deputy prosecuting attorney Rosa Flores, and two police officers for the prosecution.
He would not comment on Olanolan’s defense, and Olanolan’s defense attorney, Warren Perry, did not return a phone message seeking comment.
“I was pleased,” said Kakinami. “I felt that the verdict was proper.” Olanolan faces a maximum of 10 years in prison on the charges when he is sentenced Jan. 13. Each count of intimidating a witness, a class-C felony, carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment.
Tom Finnegan, staff writer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or mailto:tfinnegan@pulitzer.net.
