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Store robbery
By Debra Barayuga
codefendant will get
no more jail time
Star-BulletinA Hauula man who pleaded guilty to his role in a bungled Wahiawa robbery in which the store owner's wife was shot in the face and the owner nearly shot will not be serving any more jail time.
Circuit Judge Michael Town yesterday sentenced Damien Kaahu to five years probation and 171 days in jail.
Deputy Prosecutor Martin Romualdez had sought prison for Kaahu, but because he has already served 171 days behind bars since his arrest, he won't be required to serve any more time.
Kaahu admitted to selecting the California Avenue convenience store he and three others planned on robbing and driving them to the scene. But he said he and another codefendant remained in the car while the two others entered the store.
Yesterday, Kaahu expressed sorrow for his involvement in the robbery and that he was trying to be a better person, his attorney Stuart Fujioka said. Kaahu has since graduated from a Christian-based drug treatment program and is trying to do something with his life, Fujioka said.
Kaahu testified for the state earlier this month during the attempted-murder trial of codefendant Tomas Quirantes, who was later found guilty of lesser charges of attempted first-degree assault for shooting Pok Cha Fithian and attempting to shoot her husband, Paul. He awaits sentencing on Jan. 8.
Romualdez said he believes Kaahu is remorseful and sincere about turning his life around and he has the next five years to prove it.
Codefendant Roland Ragasa, who pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree theft, faces a five-year prison term or probation when sentenced July 28. He also waited in the car with Kaahu while the other two attempted to rob the store.
Farrington Governor Santos, the fourth defendant, committed suicide in prison a month after the robbery.
