KAILUA-KONA — The man who was driving when a woman was killed nearly three years ago pleaded no contest to negligent homicide on Tuesday.
Randall Kawasaki, 37, Kailua-Kona, was also charged with manslaughter, with two counts of third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was driving when the car went off the road at 1:15 a.m. Jan. 15, 2013. The accident killed Hannah Fergerstrom, his girlfriend, who was in the passenger seat.
Sentencing will be March 1.
The hearing was in front of Judge Melvin Fujino, newly sworn in as circuit court judge. Up to this point the case had been heard in front of Judge Ronald Ibarra.
The plea agreement drops all charges except the negligent homicide charge. However, the prosecution, represented by Kimberly Bryn Mari Taniyama, is allowed to refer to the dropped charges in their argument for sentencing.
Fujino will decide if Kawasaki goes to prison or into probation based on information presented March 1.
Kawasaki was arrested on a DUI charge in Honolulu some months after the fatal accident.
Fujino laid out the possible punishments to Kawasaki. If sent to prison, Kawasaki faces up to 10 years. A probation term would run for five years, with 18 months in jail. Both possibilities carry up to $25,000 in fines. In either instance Fujino may add community service or other penalties.
If prison enters the picture, the exact term will be set by the Hawaii Parole Authority. The sentencing is expected to include testimony by Hannah’s mother and brother.
Kawasaki was quiet for most of the hearing, saying “yes, your honor” or “no, your honor” to questions.
Tuesday’s hearing was originally supposed to be sentencing, but a presentencing investigation was ordered, which will require time to prepare.
