LIHU‘E — Two young men who went on a car break-in spree last May will pay back $7,000 in restitution in addition to some jail time. Judge Kathleen Watanabe, of the 5th Circuit, said the two young men, Kaelantroy Kalani
LIHU‘E — Two young men who went on a car break-in spree last May will pay back $7,000 in restitution in addition to some jail time.
Judge Kathleen Watanabe, of the 5th Circuit, said the two young men, Kaelantroy Kalani Tanigawa, 20, and Jonathan Joshua Yed (Papagayo), 19, would serve seven days each for their part in several automobile break-ins at various Kaua‘i beaches. It was to ensure they understand what awaits them if they fail to comply with their five-year probation and lose the deferment of sentencing.
The two were charged with five counts of first-degree unauthorized entry, four counts of second-degree theft, six counts of fourth-degree criminal property damage, three counts of credit card theft and three counts of identity theft.
The defendant’s changed their pleas to guilty on June 6. If they comply with probation the charges would be wiped from their permanent record.
At least five break-ins were mentioned that occurred over a four-day period in May 2011. A water safety officer who reported observing a break-in is credited with ending the spree.
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Vogt represented the state. She presented one local victim who wished to address the court. Most of the others were off-island visitors who were using rental cars.
The victim, a teacher who said the court proceedings prevented her from taking part in ocean research in the North West Hawaiian Islands, said she sympathized with the victims wanting to move on with their life, but asked the court to ensure they understand that the effect of their actions were not just about dollars and replacing items.
Tanigawa, who is a Kamehameha Schools graduate and scholarship recipient, said he acted stupidly and that the crimes were to get money for drugs.
He presented a college transcript with a high B average to show the court he is turning his life around as a sophomore engineering student.
Defense attorney Michael Soong said Tanigawa has no prior record and offered a personal recommendation for deferred sentencing. He said the defendant also received good remarks from probation.
Defense attorney Mark Zenger represented Papagayo. He said the defendant is changing his attitude and working hard to complete a general equivalency diploma, with plans to earn an engineering license.
Watanabe said she had some difficulty with reconciling the progress the two defendants had made since their crime and to ensure justice is served for the community. She lectured both defendants in separate hearings about the potential harm that crimes against visitors can do to Kaua‘i’s tourism-driven economy.
Watanabe ordered the two to pay $6,382.55 in restitution in five separate claims. She ordered the two to serve seven days in jail, and both must undergo a substance abuse assessment and follow through with recommended programs.
Tanigawa, a student, was ordered to perform 400 hours of community service. The working Papagayo was given a $3,000 fine in lieu of community service.
