Father’s loss doubly The father of two Waianae brothers -- one convicted yesterday in the murder of a man, and the other found guilty for beating up another man -- says he feels for the family of murder victim Dino Arado.
painful in
guilty verdicts
One son is convicted of murder,
the other is guilty of assaultBy Debra Barayuga
dbarayuga@starbulletin.com"Forgive us," said Joseph Poomaihealani Jr., father of convicted murderer Joseph Poomaihealani III, to the Arado family. "I'm sorry for what happened."
Arado was killed when he went to the aid of his neighbors. Witnesses testified Arado was simply walking over to find out what was going on and was not threatening anyone. Poomaihealani III testified he shot Arado in self-defense.
Younger brother John Poomaihealani, 19, was found guilty of assaulting Brian Chamberlain, who lived next door to the Arados. John's friend, Brandon Lizardo, was also convicted of beating Chamberlain and threatening to use a firearm on him.
When asked about the verdicts, Poomaihealani Jr. said: "Right now, it just hurts. Too much hurt."
He already lost one son four years ago. Now he is losing two to prison.
In July 1997 another son, Llewellyn Poomaihealani, took his life at age 24. His name is tattooed on brother Joseph Poomaihealani III's neck.
Poomaihealani III mentioned the loss of his brother when he testified. It was the first and only time jurors saw him show emotion during the six-week trial.
He testified he became enraged when he saw Lizardo pointing a gun at his younger brother. Lizardo was allegedly aiming at Chamberlain, but his brother John was in the way, Poomaihealani III said.
"I already lost one brother. I didn't want to lose another."
Joseph III and John have two other brothers and two sisters.
Despite the verdict, Poomaihealani Jr. said he believes his son told him the truth. "He said the guy came after him with a golf club, and he shot to protect himself."
All three defendants will be sentenced Dec. 5.