HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR022421OPADEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: February 24, 2021
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
JUSTIN F. KOLLAR, PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
(808) 241-1888
Līhu‘e man sentenced to 20 years in prison for armed robbery
LĪHU‘E - Tunu Afele, 45, of Līhu‘e, was sentenced today to serve 20 years of prison with a
mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for Robbery in the First Degree. The Honorable Judge
Kathleen N.A. Watanabe also sentenced Afele to serve a 10-year sentence for Theft in the First Degree
and five-year sentences for two counts of Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree. All prison time will
run concurrently.
On May 31, 2020, Afele brandished a loaded firearm at a male individual, demanding money.
Afele also threatened the male’s girlfriend. When the police arrived at the scene, Afele refused to
submit to arrest and made numerous threats against the officers. After a period of some time, Afele
was arrested peacefully. Police later recovered a stolen firearm from Afele’s vehicle. The case was
prosecuted by First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jennifer S. Winn.
Prosecuting Attorney Justin F. Kollar said, “I am grateful to the hardworking Officers and
Detectives of the Kauai Police Department for their efforts in investigating and resolving this incredibly
dangerous situation without any injuries. Their resourcefulness and dedication helps to keep our
community safe.”
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