Claude Kaukini Kaaiakamanu, 30, of Pearl City, was convicted in April of elder abuse and assault with a deadly weapon for attacking Alberto Estiamba, whose face was so badly beaten he was unrecognizable.

The petty officer 2nd Class, his wife, young twins and grandmother were on vacation and visiting Estiamba on March 15, 2006, when the beating occurred. Both men admitted drinking heavily but they didn't remember what happened.

Kaaiakamanu said he'd had six beers and four shots of whiskey. Estiamba, a cancer patient, had a blood-alcohol level three times the legal limit to drive in California.

Superior Court Judge James Brandlin, who presided over the nonjury trial, heard tearful statements from both sides during Monday's sentencing hearing.

The victim's wife, Consuela Estiamba, said her husband's face was so pulverized she barely recognized him.

Kaaiakamanu's 11-year-old daughter Miriam begged the judge for leniency.

"Please have mercy on my dad because we all miss my dad so much," she said.

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