LIHU‘E — Kevin Louis hit rock-bottom and held up a mirror when it came time to a point finger at who was to blame. Louis, 35, of Koloa, on Wednesday in Fifth Circuit Court pleaded no-contest in a plea deal
LIHU‘E — Kevin Louis hit rock-bottom and held up a mirror when it came time to a point finger at who was to blame.
Louis, 35, of Koloa, on Wednesday in Fifth Circuit Court pleaded no-contest in a plea deal to third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, and was sentenced to five years behind bars, with credit for the 3.5 months already served.
Kaua‘i Public Defender Christian Enright asked the court to run the sentence concurrent with the other conviction. He said that Louis has changed during his incarceration and that being drug-free has given him a chance to reflect on his life.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney John Murphy read the indictment to recall the Feb. 22, 2011 incident when a Kaua‘i Police officer responded to a call that someone had trespassed onto the property of Pacific Service and Development in Lihu‘e. The officer found Louis behind a dumpster with methamphetamine and paraphernalia to use the substance as ICE.
Louis was arrested and in March was indicted. Two of the charges were dropped in the plea deal.
Murphy said the victim in the case had not requested a restitution. He added that Louis was a gentleman in court and is a good person.
In his statement, Louis said the incarceration has shown him how he has taken life for granted and has neglected his family. He accepted responsibility for his actions and only wants to do his time and be with his family once again.
It was not all smooth going. The plea deal required Louis to answer a series of questions read to him by the judge. He was anxious to reply and was reminded to wait until the questions were read in full.
Louis was not required to give a statement and could have just recited what was prepared by his attorney for the record. He instead bowed his head and reached for words that were not fanciful or articulated. He was brief but made his point to everyone involved with the case.
Fifth Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Watanabe said that while most people choose not to give personal statements in their plea agreements or sentencing hearings, she commended Louis for his sincerity and noted how he did not blame anyone else for his situation. She encouraged Louis to do good during his incarceration and then to enjoy his family.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or by emailing tlaventure@ thegardenisland.com.
