Three charged with brutal assault in Hawaii [1]
Monday, November 28, 2016 - 12:53. Updated on Monday, November 28, 2016 - 13:00.
One man and two women, all of Tongan heritage, are facing jail sentences for beating a security guard unconscious at a bar in Hawaii last month. They have been accused of kicking the guard in the head several times as he was lying on the ground. The guard was transported to hospital where he recovered. Doctors said the injuries could have been life threatening.
The three accused are Tevita Finau (29), his wife Meleana Tuakoi Finau (28) and her sister Petiola Tuakoi (20). They are all currently being held but have been offered a $300,000 bail each.
The assault occurred at Kaanapali Bar on October 22 on the island of Maui. According to local reports, the security guard was assaulted after a fight broke out between the accused and bar patrons.
The Deputy Prosecutor of the case Ronson Ibarra said that the security guard fell down a set of stairs before being kicked several times in the head as he was lying on the ground. Ibarra stated that Tevita Finau was seen kicking the security guard’s head “like it was a soccer ball, at least twice”. Ibarra added that Tevita Finau already has another case pending for second degree assault.
An attorney representing Tuakoi has asked for her bail be reduced, reavealing that she is employed and has no prior criminal history. Vierra said. “This is a very young woman that has significant ties to the community.” However, her bail remains at $300,000. Tuakoi is also charged with two counts of third-degree assault of two other men that night.