CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM Kenneth Wakisaka wiped away tears yesterday as defense attorney Mal Gillin gave an opening statement about the death of his wife, Shirlene Wakisaka.

Ko Olina man
denies killing wife

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By Debra Barayuga
dbarayuga@starbulletin.com

A Ko Olina man accused of strangling his wife tried to save her life, not kill her, the defense said on the first day of Kenneth Wakisaka's murder trial.

Wakisaka, 46, went on trial yesterday, charged with second-degree murder in the death of his wife at their home on April 5, 2000.

Defense attorney Mal Gillin said during opening statements that Shirlene Wakisaka, 52, died as a result of a suicide brought on by her battle with alcoholism and various mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder.

That day, she attempted suicide by taking 30 over-the-counter pills for her back and leg cramps and drinking alcohol, Gillin said. Wakisaka did not go to work so he could be with her, and tried to revive her with cardiopulmonary resuscitation when she collapsed, Gillin added.

"Mr. Wakisaka did everything to save, not to take his wife's life," he said.

Deputy Prosecutor Dan Oyasato said Kenneth Wakisaka's words and actions show otherwise.

In an interview with a medical investigator shortly after his wife was taken off life support machines April 10 and pronounced dead, Wakisaka asked whether an autopsy could reveal whether she had been strangled.

Susan Starrett Siu, chief investigator with the city Medical Examiner's Office, testified yesterday she was shocked he asked that because she had no idea that foul play was suspected. All she had been told was that Shirlene Wakisaka may have died of a possible drug overdose.

Wakisaka also argued against having an autopsy conducted on his wife, saying he already knew she died of natural causes.

He also had taken out a $100,000 life insurance policy on his wife a few months earlier, naming him as beneficiary, Oyasato said.

The medical examiner is expected to testify that Shirlene Wakisaka died as a result of brain damage caused by strangulation, Oyasato said.

A bruise above her carotid artery was found, indicating a lot of pressure was exerted in that area, he said. "Some item was placed around her neck, and she was strangled."

The defense says the evidence disputes the strangulation theory and shows her injuries resulted from her suicide attempt.

Although numerous ambulance, fire and police officers were allowed into her home, Gillin said, she never sought their help or indicated to them that her husband was trying to kill her. Instead, she kept telling them she was sorry.

"She was apologizing because people were going through all this bother because of her suicide attempt," Gillin said.

Gillin contends Wakisaka's two stepdaughters are framing their stepfather for the death of their mother because they stand to benefit from her insurance policy and have a made-for-TV movie if he is convicted.

The trial is expected to last a few weeks. If convicted as charged, Wakisaka faces life with the possibility of parole.