Farmer gets year in jail in sex assault on youth
By Kevin Dayton
Advertiser Big Island Bureau
HILO, Hawai'i — A Waipi'o Valley farmer, teacher and well-known Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner was sentenced to a year in jail and 20 years of probation yesterday for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy last year.
Tranquilino Fronda Jr., better known as Kia Fronda, has hosted and taught students from Kamehameha Schools, the Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center and Hawai'i Preparatory Academy at his taro farm.
He pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree sexual assault and three counts of third-degree sexual assault. The first-degree charge normally carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, but under the terms of an expedited sentencing program, Fronda was eligible for 20 years' probation and up to a year in jail.
The program, which eliminates the need for the victim to testify in court, is available to sex offenders who admit guilt, cooperate with authorities and meet other criteria.
Hilo Circuit Judge Terence Yoshioka said Fronda, 58, was a trusted member of the community, but "the defendant betrayed that trust with devastating consequences to the victim and his family."
Yoshioka allowed Fronda 60 days to arrange for someone to care for his farm before he reports to jail.
The victim's mother, who asked that she not be identified to protect her son's privacy, told the court in a written statement that Fronda was a father figure to her son, a "beloved uncle" the youth had known since he was a small boy.
The family met Fronda through the Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center, and the youth stayed at the farm for weeks-long summer camps. Later, when the boy showed signs of rebellion, his family hoped guidance from Fronda would help, the mother's statement said.
Fronda and the family agreed the boy could stay at the farm for a longer period, and the assaults began during that stay in early 2002, she said.
The mother told the Advertiser that the boy began acting out angrily after the assaults, and was twice sent to a youth detention home for crimes. He has since been released and is undergoing therapy, she said.
Fronda apologized to his family and to the victim in court.
"I hope you find someplace deep in your heart to forgive me," he said. "Please, I'm very sorry."
Yoshioka required that Fronda stay away from children as one of the conditions of his probation.
Claire Asam, executive director of the Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center, said the center is aware of the case, and that Fronda has not been employed by the center since July 2002.
A spokesman for Kamehameha Schools said Kamehameha also has no current agreements with Fronda. A spokeswoman for HPA said eighth-grade field trips to the farm were stopped as soon as the school learned of the case.
Reach Kevin Dayton at kdayton@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 935-3916.
