3 people indicted in abuse of kids
Five foster children were allegedly hit with bats, knives and even dog food
A Waianae couple and grandmother physically abused and assaulted five foster children in their care using instruments ranging from baseball bats, hammers, knives and even a can of dog food, prosecutors allege.
An Oahu grand jury indicted Gabriel and Barbara Kalama and her mother, Ruth Makekau, yesterday on 23 counts, including second-degree assault, abuse of a household member and first-degree endangerment of a minor that allegedly occurred between 2004 and 2005.
"These were atrocious acts of cruelty that made this a house of torture for two years for these kids," said Deputy Prosecutor Lori Wada.
Bail was set at $41,000 for Makekau, $15,000 for Gabriel Kalama and $10,000 for Barbara Kalama.
The children, ages 10 to 15, are siblings and were removed from the home in February 2005.
The Kalamas were arrested April 12 and released pending further investigation. Makekau was arrested last Friday and also released. Grand jury warrants have been issued for their arrest.
Makekau is accused of assaulting one of the 15-year-old boys with a hammer and a can of dog food. She also allegedly assaulted an 11-year-old girl with a knife; her 13-year-old sister with a hammer, knife and metal spoon; and their 15-year-old and 10-year-old brothers with knives.
Gabriel Kalama is also accused of going after two of the children with a baseball bat, in addition to abusing them.
His wife is accused of abusing the five siblings and endangering their welfare.
Barbara Kalama, when reached at her home yesterday, said she was not aware of the indictment and referred questions to her attorney. The couple no longer has foster children in their care, she said.
Their attorney could not be reached for comment.
Second-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a minor is punishable by a five-year prison term. Abuse of a household member is a misdemeanor.