Maui brothers plead guilty in state tax case

WAILUKU » Two Maui brothers pleaded guilty to theft yesterday in relation to nonpayment of the state's general excise tax from 2002 to 2004.

Roger and Edward Apana of Maui Trucking Inc. entered the plea before Maui Circuit Judge Joel August.

Roger Apana pleaded guilty to first-degree and second- degree theft, and Edward Apana pleaded guilty to second-degree theft. Their sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 20.

Under a plea agreement, the state attorney general's office and defense attorneys are asking for the Apanas to receive five years of probation and to repay $59,356 in taxes within a three-month period.

Roger and Edward Apana would each pay $2,500 in fines and serve 200 hours of community service.

Defense attorney Keith Tanaka is expected to request the court to defer acceptance of their guilty pleas, in light of the Apanas' lack of a criminal record.

State Deputy Attorney General Mark Miyahira said the state will oppose the motion to defer the guilty pleas.

The Apanas are cousins of former Maui Mayor James "Kimo" Apana.