Parole board gives
Rodrigues 100 years

1990 killing nets the record for
'Hawaii's most dangerous man'

By Debra Barayuga
Star-Bulletin

From the Hawaii Paroling Authority's position, Wallace "Dido" Rodrigues is "going to die in prison," according to Chairman Al Beaver.

The parole board yesterday handed down its longest minimum term ever to Rodrigues, described by prosecutors as "Hawaii's most dangerous man."

Rodrigues will have to serve 100 years in prison for the 1990 drug-related slaying of Leo Tuaoa, Beaver announced yesterday.

Beaver said the board wanted to send a message to people in organized crime who kill that the board will deal harshly with them when they come before it.

Rodrigues will not face a review hearing. He must serve at least a third of his sentence, or 33 years, before he can ask for a reduction.

Beaver said the decision was a tough one for him because he knew Rodrigues' father and knew the family when living in Waianae more than 15 years ago.

But the board reviewed Rodrigues' criminal past, which began at age 19 in 1984 and escalated to his involvement with Waianae Coast organized crime seeking control of drug trafficking, Beaver said.

Rodrigues was convicted of killing a member of a rival organization in Ewa Beach, an indication of the "cancer" that drugs -- mainly crystal methamphetamine or "ice" -- has brought to Hawaii's communities, including Oahu's North Shore, Beaver said.

Three men who police believe to be linked to a North Shore drug ring are awaiting trial in the drug-related slayings of three men long missing and presumed dead.

David Klein, Rodrigues' attorney, was on the mainland and was not available for comment. The defense is appealing Rodrigues' conviction.

Deputy Prosecutor Chris Van Marter had asked that Rodrigues serve 150 years behind bars.

"We're very pleased with the board's decision," Van Marter said. "It's fitting that one of the most dangerous persons in the state of Hawaii receives the longest minimum term ever set by the Hawaii Paroling Authority."

Rodrigues already is serving a prison term for manslaughter in the 1995 slaying of Wayne Pemberton, and is awaiting two more trials in the deaths of two other men.

Rodrigues was on parole when he shot Pemberton at point-blank range. "We don't want him released on parole to kill again," Van Marter said.