Police Beat
Advertiser Staff
Alien-smuggling charges denied
A Waipahu man indicted on human trafficking charges today pleaded not guilty to allegations that he smuggled Tongan nationals into Hawai'i to work for his pig-farm and landscaping businesses.
Federal Magistrate Barry Kurren set the trial of Lueleni Fetongi Maka, 50, to begin Oct. 21.
Maka, who was arraigned on a 24-count federal indictment, is considered a flight risk and will remain in custody at the Federal Detention Center until the trial, said William Shipley, assistant U.S. attorney.
Investigation following the January 27 arrest of one alleged victim led to the discovery of four more, Shipley said; The initial case now will be added to the larger indictment, which was filed Thursday.
The victims in the case arrived in Hawai'i in 2001, between May 3 and Aug. 31, and worked on Maka's tree-trimming, rock-wall and pig-farm businesses, he said. They are now applying for a special visa that will enable them to remain here, he said.
Federal public defender William Domingo said Maka is "well respected" as a businessman. "We're pretty anxious to get this case to trial," he said.
'Ewa Beach man break-in suspect
Police arrested a 58-year-old 'Ewa Beach man Saturday on suspicion of burglary after an off-duty officer said he saw him breaking into a Hahani Street business.
The man broke into the front door of the business with a hammer, walked into the building and took two items from a glass display case, police said.
The off-duty officer stopped the man as he was getting into his car.
Woman beaten; boyfriend held
A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault Saturday after his girlfriend was injured and hospitalized.
The 25-year-old woman was hit in the face and kicked in her head and body, police said.
She was taken to Tripler Army Medical Center, where she was treated for a broken cheek and a brain contusion.
The man later surrendered to police.
Teens accused of injuring man
Three teenagers have been arrested after police said they assaulted a 39-year-old man.
The man and five teenagers got into a fight at the intersection of Kalakaua and Ka'iulani avenues early yesterday morning.
The man was injured in the fight and taken to The Queen's Medical Center in serious condition, police said.
Police later arrested an 18-year-old, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old in connection with the incident.
Waikiki man hurt in burglary
Authorities have charged a 28-year-old man in connection with an assault and burglary at a home in Waikiki.
The man was caught taking a DVD player from the residence, and a scuffle broke out between him and the resident. The man then threw the DVD player at the resident, causing injuries.
Although the man fled after the incident, police said they recognized him from his description and later arrested him. Bail has been set at $30,000.
