Kahakuloa, Maui – Kaulana Alo-Kaonohi, 33, and Levi Aki Jr., 33, are headed to federal prison after being convicted of assaulting a white man, C.K., simply for moving into their neighborhood. The attack wasn’t a spontaneous outburst; it was a calculated, racially motivated assault that left the victim with a concussion and broken ribs. The feds say this wasn’t an isolated incident, but the culmination of escalating harassment and threats.
The trouble began shortly after C.K. and his family relocated to Kahakuloa, seeking a peaceful life after his wife’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis forced her retirement. Instead of finding tranquility, they were met with hostility. Residents immediately made it clear C.K. wasn’t welcome, repeatedly emphasizing the neighborhood was a “Hawaiian village” and that outsiders didn’t belong. The harassment quickly turned physical. On February 13, 2014, Alo-Kaonohi and Aki confronted C.K. while he was unpacking with his elderly uncle, demanding he leave and threatening violence.
That first attack resulted in a head injury for C.K., but it didn’t stop there. A second, more brutal assault followed, leaving him with a concussion and fractured ribs. Federal prosecutors presented evidence showing Alo-Kaonohi had a history of unprovoked violence, including a separate bar fight demonstrating a pattern of aggressive behavior. This wasn’t just about a property dispute; it was about sending a message – and inflicting pain – based on the victim’s race.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke didn’t mince words. “This case underscores the serious consequences of racially motivated violence,” she stated. “The Department of Justice will vigorously prosecute those who attempt to intimidate and harm others based on their race or origin.” U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors added that protecting individuals from hate-fueled violence is a top priority. The feds built a solid case, utilizing the FBI Honolulu Field Office to investigate the attacks and gather crucial evidence.
Alo-Kaonohi received a hefty 78-month prison sentence, while Aki will spend 50 months behind bars. Both were convicted on charges of hate crimes and racially motivated violence. Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill of the FBI Honolulu Field Office emphasized the collaborative effort that brought these perpetrators to justice, highlighting the commitment to safeguarding civil rights in Hawaii. This case isn’t just about two men going to prison; it’s about sending a clear signal that racial hatred has no place in society.
The sentencing of Alo-Kaonohi and Aki serves as a stark reminder that while idyllic island life is often portrayed, even paradise can harbor dark undercurrents of prejudice and violence. The feds are determined to expose those undercurrents and hold accountable anyone who attempts to terrorize others based on the color of their skin. This case, while concluded, will likely serve as a precedent for future investigations into racially motivated crimes in Hawaii and beyond.
Related Federal Cases
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly.
Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Violent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent Crime