Trial opens today in killing of Kahealani

By David Waite
Advertiser Courts Writer

The murder trial for Christopher Aki, accused of killing his girlfriend's 11-year-old sister in December 2002, is scheduled to open today in Circuit Judge Virginia Crandall's courtroom.

The trial was supposed to begin March 30 but was postponed for two weeks when prosecutors decided to test the DNA of another man who Aki's defense attorney says is the real killer.

Deputy Public Defender Todd Eddins maintains it was Dennis Cacatian, an uncle of the girl, who killed Kahealani "Kahea" Indreginal. Cacatian has denied any involvement in the girl's death, and police have said they believe Aki, 21, acted alone.

The Prosecutor's Office yesterday declined to discuss the results of DNA testing of blood found on a watch in Aki's car, saying they will be submitted as evidence in the case.

City Prosecutor Peter Carlisle, who is trying the case, had asked that the DNA be compared with Cacatian's.

Cacatian was sentenced March 29 in federal court to 34 months in federal prison for having a rifle magazine that holds more than the legal number of bullets.

He is out on bail, must surrender to federal prison authorities in mid-June and may be called as a prosecution witness in Aki's trial.

Indreginal's body was found off the 'Aiea Loop Trail on Dec. 13, 2002, three days after she was last seen at the Pu'uwai Momi public housing in Halawa, where she lived.

Before then, Aki stood with members of Indreginal's family and asked for the public's help in finding her.

Police have said that Aki initially told them that others were responsible for the girl's death and that he later recanted and took full responsibility.

But shortly after he was arrested and taken into custody, Aki wrote a letter to his mother contending someone else had killed the girl and that the truth about who actually committed the crime would emerge during his trial.

Reach David Waite at dwaite@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8030.