LIHU’E — The Kaua’i County Fifth Circuit Court’s first jury trial in almost a year is scheduled to commence today.
Randy W. Puuelei, 39, of Kapa’a, is facing a charge of felony assault in the second degree. His trial was set to begin last Monday, but the Court didn’t have enough jurors to conduct a trial. Only 22 of the 60 individual jurors summoned to the were present, so Judge Randal Valenciano called for a continuance based on the lack of jurors that reported for duty.
During last Monday’s attempted trial, Valenciano did state the jurors summoned will be expected to appear at the courthouse. He said he is hoping for enough participants from the two juror pools selected, and if there are numbers in the mid-30s of jurors that show up from the two pools, they will conduct the trial.
According to the affidavit, Puuelei was allegedly accused of causing substantial injuries to a victim stemming from an incident that occurred on July 12, 2020.
Puuelei has a criminal record that dates back to Feb. of 1999, and because of his extensive criminal history, he is facing serious ramifications if he is convicted of this crime.
According to court documents, Puuelei has been convicted of two or more felonies at different times since he turned 18 and could face an extended term of imprisonment if he is convicted in this case for the “protection of the public.”
It was not stated on record what the consequences, if any, will be if the jurors summoned to court don’t appear.
According to the Hawai’i State Judiciary, failing to appear when summoned for jury selection or jury without an excuse is considered illegal.
Failure to show up to jury duty, will result in a fine of no more than $500, imprisonment for no more than 30 days, or both.
The defense counsel stated at the Motions in Limine that both the defendant and the Hawai’i state prosecuting attorneys anticipate the jury trial will take two days to conduct.
Those summoned for jury duty can find out more information at the Kaua’i Fifth Circuit court by calling: 539-4363
•••
The Hawai’i State Judiciary was not able to be contacted to answer questions about the repercussions of not showing up to jury duty before press time.
•••
Jason Blasco can be reached at 245-0437 or jblasco@thegardenisland.com.
