Teacher to answer
porn charges

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By Treena Shapiro
tshapiro@starbulletin.com

A 45-year-old Waiau Elementary School teacher will be arraigned Tuesday on federal charges of possessing child pornography.

Keith Kalani Akana was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 17. He will appear before U.S. Magistrate Kevin Chang.

According to the indictment, on April 13, Akana was found in possession of computer graphic files that depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

The indictment also says the graphic depictions had been transported in interstate and foreign commerce. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lawrence Tong said the case had been investigated by U.S. Customs Service.

If convicted, Akana faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Akana could not be reached for comment.

Waiau Principal Judith Elliott said teachers will not return to school until Monday. From that date, Akana will be put on paid leave.

Akana teaches in the Hawaiian Immersion Program and once substituted for a vice principal who was on leave for a semester.

"Mr. Akana has had a varied career in teaching, so he has taught many grade levels and has performed in various capacities," Elliott said.

Nothing in his professional conduct indicated that these charges would come about, Elliott said. "He's been an exemplary teacher, really," she said.

Elliott said investigators looked into Akana's personal life and that the investigation did not affect the school.

She said she will be available for any parents who have questions or concerns.

Akana is a kumu hula for Ka Pa Hula O Kalani, which placed in this year's King Kamehameha Hula competition. He has also produced Hawaiian-language television programs.