LIHU‘E — A man accused of killing another near Anahola Beach last year will have to wait longer to answer to murder and additional charges. At a pre-trial hearing held in Judge Randal Valenciano’s chambers, the judge and defense attorney
LIHU‘E — A man accused of killing another near Anahola Beach last year will have to wait longer to answer to murder and additional charges.
At a pre-trial hearing held in Judge Randal Valenciano’s chambers, the judge and defense attorney Keith Shigetomi determined that Vicente Kotekapika Hilario’s jury trial set for April 25 would not be held on that date. First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jake Delaplane said he missed the latter part of the meeting when the decision was made, as Shigetomi could not be located. He said the Honolulu-based attorney called in after he left and another prosecuting attorney filled in.
Hilario is scheduled to appear in 5th Circuit Court on the 25th but will likely agree to a continuance. A new trial date will be set at that time.
No reasons for the postponement were given, Delaplane said.
“It’s been continued, is all I can say,” he said.
Hilario faces charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, retaliating against a witness, intimidating a witness and bribery of a witness.
The charges stem from the death of Kapa‘a resident Aureo Moore, 34, who was shot and killed in the middle of a public road near Anahola Beach Park.
The Garden Island was not allowed to attend the hearing as it was not held in open court.
A circuit court spokeswoman said only attorneys and a judge are allowed at pre-trial conferences if they are held in a judge’s chambers.
