Uncle of slain girl remains free on bail

By David Waite
Advertiser Courts Writer

A man who is to be sentenced in federal court on Monday can remain free on bail until then despite recent allegations that he killed an 11-year-old girl in December 2002, federal Magistrate Judge Barry Kurren ruled yesterday.

In papers filed in state court last week, Deputy Public Defender Todd Eddins alleged that it was Dennis Cacatian who killed Kahealani "Kahea" Indreginal and not Christopher Aki, whom Eddins represents.

Cacatian, 42, is to be sentenced in federal court on Monday on a charge of having a rifle magazine that holds more than the legal number of bullets.

A trial for Aki, 21, on murder charges in connection with the girl's death is supposed to begin Tuesday. Kahealani'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.

Cacatian, the girl's uncle, has denied any involvement in the girl's death and police have said they believe Aki acted alone.

A hearing on whether to revoke Cacatian's bail was held at the request of the federal Pretrial Services office which is required to notify the court of any information that might affect the status of someone who is granted pre-trial release, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Wes Porter, who is handling the federal case against Cacatian.

Porter said he took no position on whether Cacatian's bail should have been revoked while awaiting sentencing on the federal charge.

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