Comments
Posted by Ryan on December 24, 2002 9:16 AM:
The harshest sentence in Hawaii courts is life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, which by all indications is what's going to be pursued in this case.
Forcing a trial after an apparent confessions seems the peak of folly, although I suppose there's hay to be made out of the "under the influence of drugs" angle.
Like the Xerox shooting trial, I don't expect a jury to take much more than a few minutes to decide Aki's guilt.
Oddly enough, while a bleeding heart liberal on most other counts, I also support the death penalty (exhibit number one in my wife's allegation that I'm a closeted Republican).
For what it's worth, crimes in Hawaii can frequently and conveniently be converted into federal cases in order to allow the death penalty to be an option. Considering the wide swaths of Hawaii that are under federal jurisdiction, it's just dumb luck more than anything else that this kid committed his crime in a state park.
Posted by ali on December 27, 2002 8:26 AM:
I'm not an attorney (so if anyone out there is an attorney, please correct me) but I'd venture to say that even in cases where defendants confess and there is overwhelming evidence that points to their guilt, I doubt that any defense attorney would ever advise his/her client to plead guilty so early in the case. Why? Because whether the person committed the crime (or not) is only part of the case. If there is a procedural problem, technicality, paperwork snafu, etc., there is a possibility that the accused can walk away. With any case, there are volumes of paperwork for the attorneys to go over, witnesses to interview, legal research to do, motions to prepare, you name it--the attorneys need time to carefully review the evidence. The State would need to prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" that the defendant committed the crime. (That's a much higher standard of guilt than in civil court where the standard is "preponderance of the evidence"--like 51%.) The thing to remember is that the jurors do not always have all of the information that we might have by reading the papers or watching the news--they can only decide on the evidence that is presented and allowed during the trial. Because the decision of the 12 jurors must be unanimous, if the defense attorney can raise reasonable doubt in one or more jurors, the defendant may end up being acquitted.
As for my personal opinion on the death penalty--right now, the death penalty laws make it much more expensive for the taxpayers to impose the death penalty than to pay the costs of incarcerating someone for life. I can't see spending any more than we have to on someone who committed a crime worthy of the death penalty. In other states, these people spend years in private cells with their own TVs and other special privileges while they go through the automatic (is it three???) appeals. The penalty is not carried out swiftly enough to serve as a deterrent to the crime. I'd much rather that money be spent proactively on crime prevention and child safety programs.
Posted by Ryan on December 30, 2002 7:55 AM:
Ali makes a good point, and I've certainly long given up the illusion that one of the big benefits of the death penalty is saving money over the cost of incarceration.
And surely, whether with death row or in lifer prison facilities, one could argue the money could be better spent on prevention.
The biggest block in my mind is more the number of innocent people found on death row, and the longstanding macro-level issue of racial and socioeconomic bias in the death penalty's application. (See "Ambulance-Homicide Theory.")
Still, to me these are problems with the system, not the punishment. The reason I support it as an option - if not neccessarily in specific cases - is because I cannot support the assertion that the worst punishment a society can impose for evil is room and board for the rest of a natural life - room and board and other privileges and luxuries, in fact.
I think that in everyone's mind, there is always one crime, one wrong, one travesty or injustice, that goes too far. One evil that crosses every line, that cannot be explained away with psychology. (My wife is against the death penalty, but she's readily admitted to "the exception" as well.) If a crime unanimously crosses the line in the minds of twelve citizens, as well as meets the existing requirements of laws (generally crafted to protect the citizenry), then I think capital punishment should be an option, weighed and debated vigorously. (Mandatory sentencing, on the other hand...)
To bring it back to the local topic, though... if Hawaii had the death penalty, would Christopher Aki be a candidate? Probably, since our prosecutors are already operating on an "especially heinous crime" evaluation.
But I'm not as certain as James that Aki is an ideal candidate. At least, not as likely as Byran Uyesugi. Aki's crime seems fairly impulsive, simply motivated, and clouded by drugs. (Although only time and the trial will tell if he had his own share of warning signs.)
Posted by James on December 31, 2002 1:24 PM:
I'm sure there are much more "qualified" candidates for the death penalty than Aki but I'm not familiar at all with Hawaii's criminal history.. who was Uyesugi?
I remember hearing a few yrs back about a man who went on a shooting spree in an office building here in Hawaii..
Whether Aki's decision to murder Kahealani was impulsive or pre meditated, all I think about is a young girl with her life ahead of her and the Family with such a large part of their world just ripped away. Whether the crime had been motivated by the need for drugs or clouded by use of drugs, he still knew what he was doing and there is no way to excuse or explain away his actions.
I understand peoples worries about the innocent being put to death, I only support the death penalty in cases where it is 100% proven they are guilty of a murder. It's a tough debate, the D penalty. But we cant continue to house violent criminals for the rest of their lives. I think we just hit the 2 million mark which makes America the most imprisoned country in the world. Of course a lot of people in jail are "non violent drug offenders" but thats a different debate all together.
Dont worry about being labeled Republican, Ryan. I find myself supporting a lot of views that are far Right and far Left but I try to walk the line as a Moderate without labeling myself as a Republican or Democrat.
Posted by helen on December 31, 2002 10:25 PM:
who was Uyesugi? I remember hearing a few yrs back about a man who went on a shooting spree in an office building here in Hawaii..
Yep that was him.
Posted by Mitchell on January 1, 2003 12:01 PM:
Today's Star-Bulletin mentions this HawaiiStories thread in an article about proposed legislation by Ewa Beach senator Willie Espero. Willie wants the death penalty. I'd link to the story, but the S-B's website doesn't get updated until later in the day, and so it's not on the website yet.
Posted by jane on January 1, 2003 8:51 PM:
There should be justice for Kahea. Everyday I wake up and the first thing I think of my grand children. The second think I think of is Kahea. See she was family. The world does not seem the same since her death. Drugs or not Aki is not human.
Death penalty YES, but until than I hope Aki can't sleep and all thats on his mind is a replay of what he did. He not only broke the heart of family members, he broke the hearts of every one. Kehea became everyones child. I don't want my tax dollars going for his food till he dies on his own. Spend the money we would save by his death for the children of Hawaii for food, education, shelter and clothing. Make Aki's death send a message, mess with the children of Hawaii and you get the death sentence.
Posted by Kathryn on January 2, 2003 12:32 PM:
I agree with Jane. Why should tax payers have to spend the money so criminals can eat, watch tv, work out, and even a free education?? we pay for them to be able to sleep in a building, but that should be it.
Posted by Lopaka on January 2, 2003 6:58 PM:
The best justice for Aki would be to turn him over to the family of the late little Kahea. Leave it up to them what they'd have done with him. It is they whom he betrayed, it is they that should mete out the justice.
Posted by The Mahuka's on January 2, 2003 10:05 PM:
An Angel of Aiea
You are so precious and Innocent, But your destiny was never supposed to be violent. What ever happened only you know, A beautiful person that didn't get the chance to grow. May there always be butterflies to guide your family, To strength, peace and prosperity. We all know that you have earned your way through the gate. Just help those to never lose faith. We pray the truth will come to surface, But forever heaven is your place. You are the Angel of Aiea, You will always be loved and missed "KAHEA".
Posted by Loke on January 2, 2003 10:21 PM:
Thank you to the people who I've never known but you all have been there don't cry, because where I'm at you need a child's HEART to Enter......for the one who did this to me I regret your life for you took mine, yet it wasn't time....Beauty brings joy and happiness not only has this open the eyes of Parents, it open the eyes of the WORLD....Heaven has gained a Trustworthy, Honest and a True Angel.....KAHEA please shine on our community for the LOVE and SUPPORT that BROUGHT US CLOSER IN UNITY....
Posted by CJ on January 4, 2003 4:33 PM:
Comments regarding Kahealani Indreginal's reason for wearing all her hawaiian bracelets should be kept to themselves. Kahealani's mother didn't florish Kahea for her to be brutally murdered but the bracelets were accumulation of birthday gifts which she deserved from all of her achievements. EVERYONE needs to remember Kahea for who she was, not what she possessed.
AKI took advantage of the trust and love Kahea had for him. The reasoning for AKI's malicious act was DRUGS. AKI knows the truth and has not spoken the truth because he is afraid for his life, what a coward. AKI lured beautiful Kahealani to her death and turned his back when she was fighting for her precious life. AKI took little Kahea's life way before her time and nothing he says or does will bring our precious guardian angel back to us.
Nobody deserves to suffer the pain Kahea endured as she fought for her life.
I know Kahealani is peacefully watching over us, protecting us, our guardian angel. WE ALL MISS YOU, AND LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.
THANK YOU KAHEALANI INDREGINAL FOR YOUR STRENGTH, COURAGE AND BEAUTIFUL SMILING HEART.
Posted by Lopaka Loner on January 7, 2003 11:51 AM:
well my name is lopaka and aki surely deserves the death penalty because he killed an innocent and beautiful child and she was also my little cousin which fuels my fire even more. now i do not have the chance to even get to know her because i've been living in pa this whole time and never good get over there so he should definetly get the death penalty and personally i think they should hand him over to the family and see what happens then well thats pretty much what i think.
Posted by Grandma2 on January 7, 2003 7:16 PM:
KEHEA
You were the one
Who would whisper hello
Give me a kiss
Then on you would go
I remember your eyes
The caring they showed
Your long black hair
Your manners
Your giggle
A day does not go by
That I don't think of you
I see a butterfly
a rainbow
Feel the sun on my back
the wind on my face
A day does not go by
that I don't think of you.
You are loved
And I know that you know
Your dancing with Angels
All happy and free
But remember KAHEA
A day does not go by that
I don't think of you....Grandma 2
Posted by Leialoha on January 7, 2003 8:49 PM:
Here is a poem 4 you.....kahea
Two people in one
one happy, one sad
two sides of me,
one mad and one glad.
There's only one side
I try to let show,
my feelings inside
the others dont know.
I'm two people in one,
as strange as that sound,
the real me inside.
no one has found.
To me that poem was like you i saw one side of you. but i didnt get to see the other side.......I love you and you will always be in my heart!!!!!
for chris he can go to hell...2 me i dont like him!!! if he really did it, i hope its killing him inside...
kahea was a pretty girl that has a big, strong family that will keeep there minds in the right place.....
love kahea.....
p.s. fly with the angel and have fun...alwayz remember the times you spend with us.......
Posted by Makana on January 8, 2003 5:59 PM:
"An Angel Is Born"
I strongly feel that Christopher Clayburn Aki is truly responsible for the death of Kahealani Indreginal. Christopher deserves to die a slow and painful death!!! I mean how can he betray Kahealani's family, but most of all how can he betray her.
From a reliable resource I have discovered that Kahealani, "LOVED" Christopher so much that she accepted him into her life, her family, but most of all her heart! It is so disgusting to know that a young and special girl was decieved from the person she loved. Kahealani was a brilliant student who enjoyed "LIFE" itself. It is ashame that she left this world too early. She is the most loving, caring, and wonderful girl I have ever met.
So Christopher I hope you die in Hell. For your actions are cruel and nothing you say or do will bring back that little angel everyone use to enjoy.
Kahealani Nawai Lele Iwi Ame Kealoha Ona lima Indreginal, rest in peace for now you have gained your wings. Now fly over everyone and watch over them for you have touched the world with your story that will never be forgotten.
I will always love you Kahealani Indreginal.
Love always,
****** ******
Posted by Auntie on January 8, 2003 10:30 PM:
Chance,Kahea's 5yr old cousin just got out of bed and said the cutest thing. ( Mom can we take a spaceship to heaven to give Kahea somthing?? His sister Tatiana said NO! Chance said YES we just have to ask the spaceship man). Just thought i would share the thoughts of a child.....Kahea you are truly missed and will be forever in our thoughts.......
Posted by sabrina on February 14, 2003 5:26 AM:
hey everyone i know that this is some heart breaking news. i knew kahealani when she was very little. she was a smart and beautiful and a well rounded child. i also knew chris too. i never knew that chris was a type of person to do such thing. everytime i see chris he's either going to work, church or attending to his girfriend. he would always look like the shy type always smiling and keeping to his self. dont get me wrong im not trying to take up for him or anything but im just telling you guys on how well ive known aki. well i love chris with all my heart and everything but if he did the crime i think he should pay the consequences. well thank you guys for letting me speak my mind. we love you kahealani and rest in peace baby.
Posted by Lopaka Loner on March 12, 2003 7:57 AM:
I feel that a crime like this hurts us all. I can't believe that somebody would do something like this. I'm finally able to go home and I now can learn more about my family and spend the rest of my life there. So aki should get what he deserves and that is pretty much how I feel.
Posted by Anonymous on March 16, 2003 10:19 AM:
I really feel that this is a time that we need to think about what has went on here. Kahealani was a very precious child. She was also my baby cousin. I have been living in the states my whole life never able to see the rest of my family and for something like this to happen is absolutely tragic. The police need to do something to aki and sure in the heck not let him free because I'm not a forgiving person. I shall return to the islands in the next few months and I hope that they do not let him out because there is no telling what may happen. I certainly could never be able to see him because there is no telling what may happen.
Posted by cuzin pohai on July 1, 2003 9:36 PM:
hey pepos specially u kahea
its me cuzin pohai"t" i miss u darling i member u wen i was at mrs.vargas's class and u use to dance na mele u was so perfect and i was in mr.honjos class and wen i mixed up ur hand writing w/virginia's im sorry everyone down here is doing fine and missing u much
dats all randy boi crys once and a while ezras getting big and all ur braddahs are doing fine ahi went out w/chanise and yah... and keneki is getting real big and baby gurl is doing good in kindergarten @aiea ele
well cuzin i gottah go now i going log out the com i love u so much watch us carefully and ill watch every body down here kay oh yah tanays doing good and i see ur mom and tanya at randy talk all the time and how much we miss u well gottah go i love u gurl fly with angels and
watch xanderlynn for me please...
luv me cuzin pohai...
Posted by Lopaka on July 20, 2003 11:08 PM:
Hey peoples just wanted to drop in and drop u a line, I sorry did not get to know you as much as I could hope u forgive me kahea and as for your aunt marcei and ur cuzins malia and kopia we doing fine well love ya and I hope everybody in hawaii doing good well love ya bye baby cuz.
Posted by Mousie on August 28, 2003 11:41 AM:
It's been almost a year since the tragic death of 11 yr old Kahealani; and although I didn't know Kahea or her familia personally, my heart goes out to her and the Indreginal familia. It all still seems like this terrible thing happened just yesterday. She was a beautiful little girl, who had her whole life ahead of her, then a monster came along and took it all away. I strongly believe in Karma, and I speak from experience, "What goes around, will definately come around!" Chris Aki will get his, times Ten!
I can only imagine the pain her familia has, and is going through till this day; and for that My heart weeps right along with you. I don't know what I would ever do, if it had been my son, who was brutally taken away from me. I have experienced alot of loss and grief in my short 25 years, but nothing is like the pain of losing a child so young. I pray for Kahealani, and her familia every night, and my thoughts are always with the friends and familia of the Indreginals. God Bless you all! Kahealani..May you rest in peace, our beautiful Butterfly, you have found your place up in Heaven, where you can smile and watch upon us all...
Posted by rk on February 27, 2004 7:23 AM:
aloha keep safe much mahalo i'll never forget you!
Posted by Dave on June 17, 2004 6:03 AM:
Rest In Peace, Kahealani. I pray for you and your family. I hope justice will be served on Aki and that he spends the rest of his life in prison for the senseless crime he committed. I am from Pennsylvania and did not know Kahealani nor her family, but this tragic murder has touched me and I felt i needed to express my sympathy to the family.
Posted by Shannon,Titi,Kealoha And Chazelle on August 5, 2004 1:56 PM:
Kahealani was a beautiful girl. She always brought many hearts to others.I don't know why Aki would do such a thing like that to kahealani.Just for you kahea,I hope Aki goes to HELL.Kahea,you are trully missed by everyone,and we hope to see you soon.Becaus you know we all miss you very much.LOVE YOU SO MUCH.Love always,your cousin's Shannon,Titi.Kealoha,and Chazelle
Posted by Keane on October 1, 2004 5:52 PM:
I have just had a friend and his girlfriend, is a nurse, beaten so bad by 6 locals and two local girls, while coming back from a luau. He has 27 stitches in the back of his head and will suffer brain damage. He may lose one or both of his eyes from being repeatedly kicked severly in the face while unconscious. He had both sides of his jaw broken and kicked in as well as the front of his teeth kicked in towards the center. He was in a coma for two days. He wasn't expected to live. The nurse was beaten too but was prevented by one of the local girls who had a tiny bit of consconce, who was involved. The nurse left the island because she was so traumatized. The police didn't even write up a report. Before this happened, the nurse told they guy ( her boyfriend) who of course was caucasion too, that every weekend, two GI's would be brought to the emergency room barely hanging onto life because of beatings by the local people of Hawaii. And no one is reporting it because they are scared for their lives. The police being local themselves are turning a blind eye and in some cases, possibly aiding. They claimed they were beat up because they were "on their beach". Why isn't anything being done to stop this? If caucasions were taking out locals one by one, it would be splattered all over the papers and there would be a big uprising by the "so called" Hawaiian people. I don't understand and I am terribly hurt since I consider myself a local and Hawaii my home. Can someone ease my mind and e-mail me if there is anything being done to stop or prevent this? I haven't been there in awhile and don't have information readily available on this subject. Thank you.
Posted by Keane on October 1, 2004 5:55 PM:
E-mail me at Malani333@msn.com Thanks Kiane
Posted by Chris Unger on December 20, 2004 12:22 PM:
Leihua,
Lori, Mandy and I held a vigil here on the mianland in memory of your beautiful daughter.
(((HUGS)))
Chris Unger PHK
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