Jury weighing
‘heinous’ decision

Star-Bulletin staff

KEALAKEKUA, Hawaii -- In the first proceeding of its kind in Hawaii, a Kona jury will reconvene next week to determine whether the stabbing death of a 72-year-old woman last year was "especially heinous."

The jury found Jefferson "Kaui" Pau, 24, guilty of second-degree murder yesterday in the Feb. 9, 1999, stabbing of Itsuko Ito, 72, at her home in Keaau south of Hilo. He also was found guilty of stealing the victim's car.

Ito was found with numerous wounds in her chest, back, arms, and hands.

Pau was charged under a provision of the law dealing with murder committed in a heinous, depraved or atrocious manner.

Because of a state Supreme Court ruling in an unrelated case, juries now must render two-part verdicts. They must decide whether a defendant is guilty, then separately, whether the murder was especially heinous.

If heinousness is found, Pau would be sentenced to life without parole. If not, he could receive parole. Since the victim was over 60, Pau must serve at least 15 years.

Pau's ex-girlfriend, Myla Soleta, testified that Pau told her he was a "hit man" and gave her $123. She saw him throw away bloody clothing. Police determined that happened just 45 minutes after Ito was killed.