LIHUE — A Kapaa man who skipped his sentencing hearing lost his chance at probation and received one year of prison Monday in 5th Circuit Court. Chief Judge Randal Valenciano ordered Edward Keowa Puulei, 36, to serve the maximum possible
LIHUE — A Kapaa man who skipped his sentencing hearing lost his chance at probation and received one year of prison Monday in 5th Circuit Court.
Chief Judge Randal Valenciano ordered Edward Keowa Puulei, 36, to serve the maximum possible penalty for a misdemeanor offense.
Puulei was arrested for abuse of a family or household member on Jan. 31. An additional felony charge of intentional choking was added to the misdemeanor abuse charge.
Puulei pleaded no contest to an amended misdemeanor charge of third-degree assault on April 15 and was scheduled to be sentenced on July 17.
A bench warrant was issued for Puulei when he failed to appear for sentencing. He was brought before the court Monday.
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ginger Grinpas said the altercation with his ex-girlfriend started after he became upset she was reading a text message from another man. He choked and dragged her from the vehicle causing her to black out, and threw her to the ground, Grinpas added.
Puulei’s prior record includes a fourth-degree assault, a second-degree theft, a contempt of court, harassment, and several fourth-degree theft charges, she added.
Court-appointed defense attorney Kai Lawrence said Puulei contends he could have handled the situation differently but was attempting to remove his then girlfriend from the vehicle in an attempt to defuse the situation after the couple had an argument.
Puulei was also arrested for burglary on May 13. The case remains under investigation.
