In a recent case in Hawaii, two men were sentenced for a racially motivated attack on a white man who was attempting to move into their neighborhood. Kaulana Alo-Kaonohi and Levi Aki Jr. were both sentenced to prison for their actions. The attack, fueled by hate, resulted in severe injuries to the victim, including a concussion and broken ribs. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized that such violence will not be tolerated, and U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors expressed the importance of protecting individuals from violence motivated by racial hatred. This case serves as a reminder that the law protects everyone from racially motivated violence, and it is crucial to hold perpetrators accountable.
Background
Two Maui Men Sentenced for Racially Motivated Attack on White Man
In a recent case that has garnered significant attention, two Maui men, Kaulana Alo-Kaonohi and Levi Aki Jr., were sentenced for their racially motivated attack on a white man. The incident took place in the Kahakuloa neighborhood, where the victim, referred to as C.K., had recently moved with his family. This case highlights the importance of combating racially motivated violence and sends a strong message against such acts.
Overview
Sentencing of Kaulana Alo-Kaonohi and Levi Aki Jr.
Following a thorough investigation and subsequent trial, Kaulana Alo-Kaonohi, 33, and Levi Aki Jr., 33, were sentenced in federal court for their violent attack on C.K. Alo-Kaonohi was sentenced to 78 months in prison, while Aki was sentenced to 50 months. These sentences provide justice for the victim and send a clear message that racially motivated violence will not be tolerated.
Importance of the Case
Message against racially motivated violence
The sentencing of Alo-Kaonohi and Aki is significant as it reinforces the message that racially motivated violence is unacceptable and will be met with severe consequences. This case serves as a reminder that individuals must be held accountable for their actions, particularly when those actions are fueled by hate and discrimination. By addressing these crimes head-on, society can work towards a more inclusive and harmonious future.
Relevant Laws
Protection against racially motivated violence
The laws in the United States are designed to protect individuals from racially motivated violence. These laws aim to safeguard the rights and safety of all citizens, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background. Acts of violence motivated by racial hatred are considered hate crimes, and perpetrators can face serious legal repercussions. The sentencing of Alo-Kaonohi and Aki underlines the importance of these laws and their role in upholding justice.
Facts of the Case
Victim’s decision to move into Kahakuloa neighborhood
C.K., the victim in this case, made the decision to move into the Kahakuloa neighborhood along with his wife and three daughters. The move was prompted by his wife’s diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and subsequent retirement. C.K. believed that Kahakuloa would provide a peaceful and safe environment for his family.
Harassment and threats received by the victim
Upon his arrival in Kahakuloa, C.K. faced relentless harassment and threats from various residents of the neighborhood. These individuals made disparaging remarks, emphasizing that Kahakuloa was a “Hawaiian village” and that outsiders were not welcome. Such offensive comments created an atmosphere of fear and hostility for the victim and his family.
First attack on the victim, resulting in a head injury
On February 13, 2014, while C.K. was unpacking his belongings with his elderly uncle, Alo-Kaonohi and Aki confronted him on his property. Despite not having any prior interaction with C.K., the defendants demanded that he leave and threatened him with physical harm. Alo-Kaonohi proceeded to drag his finger along C.K.’s jaw, making derogatory remarks about the color of his skin. Aki then struck C.K. on the head with a roofing shovel, causing a severe head injury and profuse bleeding.
Second attack on the victim, causing a concussion and broken ribs
Even after C.K. began packing his possessions to comply with the defendants’ demands, they subjected him to a second violent attack. Aki headbutted C.K. and struck him in the face with the shovel, rendering him unconscious and inflicting a concussion. As C.K. regained consciousness, the defendants continued their assault, kicking him in the side and breaking two of his ribs. Throughout this ordeal, the attackers made racially derogatory comments, indicating their motives for the violence.
Similar unprovoked attack committed by Alo-Kaonohi at a bar
As part of the evidence presented during the trial, it was revealed that just months after the attack on C.K., Alo-Kaonohi committed another unprovoked assault on a white-skinned individual at a bar. In this separate incident, Alo-Kaonohi approached his victim from behind, repeatedly punching him in the head until he lost consciousness. The victim suffered a severe head wound that required extensive medical attention and resulted in permanent brain damage.
Sentencing and Charges
Sentences received by Alo-Kaonohi and Aki
Following a thorough legal process, Kaulana Alo-Kaonohi was sentenced to 78 months in prison, while Levi Aki Jr. received a sentence of 50 months. These sentences reflect the seriousness of their crimes and the harm inflicted upon the victim. The length of the sentences serves as a deterrent against racially motivated violence and highlights the consequences faced by those who commit such acts.
Charges of hate crimes and racially motivated violence
During the trial, the prosecution charged Alo-Kaonohi and Aki with hate crimes and racially motivated violence. These charges demonstrate the intent of the attackers to target C.K. based on his race and impose harm solely because of his skin color. The fact that the defendants specifically made derogatory comments related to race during the attacks further supports the charges. Through the successful prosecution of these charges, justice has been served for both the victim and society as a whole.
Statements from Officials
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke’s statement
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division expressed her concern over the severity of the crime committed by Alo-Kaonohi and Aki. Clarke emphasized that no individual should face violence and injustice due to their race and reiterated the importance of laws protecting against racially motivated violence. She praised the sentencing as a clear message that such violence will not be tolerated.
U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors’ statement
U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors for the District of Hawaii condemned the violent actions of Alo-Kaonohi and Aki, stating that no person should be subjected to violence motivated by racial hatred. She reasserted the Department of Justice’s commitment to upholding civil rights and ensuring that individuals responsible for such crimes are held accountable in a court of law.
Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill’s statement
Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill of the FBI Honolulu Field Office highlighted the hate-driven nature of the attacks on C.K. Merrill emphasized that the FBI is dedicated to ensuring that individuals who commit such crimes are held accountable. He stressed the importance of respecting and protecting civil rights for all individuals, and he condemned the violence inflicted by Alo-Kaonohi and Aki.
Evidentiary Support
Introduction of evidence of a previous unprovoked attack by Alo-Kaonohi
During the trial, the prosecution introduced evidence of a separate unprovoked attack committed by Alo-Kaonohi. In this incident, which occurred just months before the assault on C.K., Alo-Kaonohi approached a white-skinned man at a bar and launched a brutal assault, causing significant head injuries and permanent brain damage. This evidence further established the defendant’s patterns of racially motivated violence, strengthening the case against him.
Investigation and Prosecution
FBI Honolulu Field Office’s role in the investigation
The FBI Honolulu Field Office played a vital role in investigating the racially motivated attack on C.K. Their dedicated efforts and commitment to justice were crucial in gathering the necessary evidence and building a strong case against Alo-Kaonohi and Aki. The thoroughness of the investigation enabled the prosecution to present a compelling argument in court, leading to the successful conviction and subsequent sentencing of the perpetrators.
Prosecution team involved in the case
The prosecution team consisted of Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Thomas for the District of Hawaii, along with Special Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Perras and Trial Attorney Tara Allison from the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division. Their dedication and expertise were instrumental in presenting a robust case against Alo-Kaonohi and Aki. The successful outcome of the trial can be attributed, in part, to their relentless pursuit of justice.
Conclusion
Announcement of the sentencing
The sentencing of Kaulana Alo-Kaonohi and Levi Aki Jr. for their racially motivated attack on C.K. is a significant milestone in the fight against hate crimes. It serves as a reminder that individuals who engage in racially motivated violence will face serious legal repercussions. By upholding the principles of justice and equality, society can strive towards a future free from discrimination, prejudice, and violence.
For further inquiries regarding this case, please refer to the contact information below:
Contact Information:
- Elliot Enoki
- Email: Elliot.Enoki@usdoj.gov