Prosecutors ponder Puna girl's ordeal

By Kevin Dayton
Advertiser Big Island Bureau

HILO, Hawai'i — Police have completed their investigation into alleged abuse of a 10-year-old Puna girl and forwarded the case to county prosecutors Friday for possible charges.

Police have said the investigation focused on the girl's caregivers, Hyacinth Poouahi, 37, and her fiance. The child lived with the family for several months, but is not related to them. She remains in California undergoing treatment for burns.

An ambulance crew called to Poouahi's 'Ainaloa home Feb. 7 found the girl near death from malnutrition and dehydration. A police affidavit filed in Hilo District Court said the girl had a "decomposing" cut on her head that contained maggots, and that a doctor who examined her said marks on her body suggested she had been bound.

The girl also had broken bones in her left hand and left foot, and apparent burns from a cigarette and cigarette lighter, according to court records.

Poouahi's 15-year-old daughter told police the child had been beaten by Poouahi, her fiance and Poouahi's 14-year-old son, according to the affidavit. Poouahi has said the girl's injuries were self-inflicted.

The deputy prosecutor handling the case was unavailable to comment.

Also Friday, Poouahi filed a request for a divorce from her husband, Hans Poouahi, and sought custody of their children, ages 15, 14 and 9. The woman has a 3-year-old son from her fiance, according to the filing.

All four children have been in foster care since the alleged abuse was discovered.

In her divorce filing, Poouahi said she separated from her husband in 1998 and that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." She's seeking custody of the children because "I have provided them a loving home all of their lives and will continue to do so."

Reach Kevin Dayton at kdayton@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 935-3916.