Advanced forensics allowed in Hilario case

LIHU‘E — The expense for advanced forensics technology in the murder trial of Vicente Kotekapika Hilario was approved in court Thursday.

Hilario, 25, of Anahola, is accused of shooting and killing Kapa‘a resident Aureo Moore, 34, near Anahola Beach Park on Dec. 17, 2010. He is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, retaliating against a witness, intimidating a witness and bribery of a witness.

Chief Judge Randal Valenciano of the 5th Circuit approved a litigation expense item request from defense attorney Keith Shigetomi. The request is for an outside firm with advanced forensics capabilities and specially training experts to examine the evidence, procedures of analysis and the process by which it was collected.

The request came last month, but Valenciano ordered the defense and prosecuting attorneys to try and identify a Hawaiian-based firm with the same capabilities. The move was in part to avoid logistical issues of expert testimony and timing of reports.

The analysis was ordered, according to Shigetomi, to reassess carbon residue analysis from the weapon that is being used to prosecute the case. He could not identify a Hawaiian firm but said there are several in California.

County Prosecuting Attorney Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho was present for the state with First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jake Delaplane. She noted that the prosecution was also not able to identify a Hawaiian firm capable of conducting the testing.

Shigetomi’s $3,000 request was based on a 150-hour estimate at $20 per hour. He said the estimate stated it would be completed within the court’s time frame as long as the evidence is received accordingly.

Valenciano agreed to a $3,500 cap expense to avoid possible cost over-runs.

Following the motion, the attorneys moved to a private bench conference at Iseri-Carvalho’s request to discuss other issues still to be resolved.

• Tom LaVenture can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or tlaventure@ thegardenisland.com.