LIHU‘E — The driver of a truck that struck and killed Theresa T. Fujitani as she was walking to morning Mass in 2006 will serve a year in jail. Jacob Allen Emproso was looking at 90 days in jail and
LIHU‘E — The driver of a truck that struck and killed Theresa T. Fujitani as she was walking to morning Mass in 2006 will serve a year in jail.
Jacob Allen Emproso was looking at 90 days in jail and a possible fine with probation, according to the terms of his no-contest plea deal that was entered on Nov. 14.
The deal was put aside, however, and the maximum sentence for the reduced misdemeanor conviction was handed down Tuesday in 5th Circuit Court.
Judge Kathleen Watanabe ordered Emproso to serve the full one-year jail term allowable for third-degree negligent homicide.
Emproso, 33, of Kapa‘a, had faced a felony second-degree charge until the November change of plea. The case has been in circuit court since August 2009.
The sentencing is for the Dec. 27, 2006, accident where Emproso’s vehicle struck the 78-year-old Fujitani, who was making her daily walk to St. Catherine Church in Kapa‘a. The retired licensed practical nurse died from her injuries.
A sister of Fujitani was in court but did not speak at the sentencing. A family friend recalled details of the day she died.
In his statement to the court, Emproso apologized and said not a day goes by that he does not recall the incident.
Watanabe said she believed that Emproso was sincere in his remorse and that he did not intend for this tragic accident to occur.
Watanabe said the court cannot resolve the case by restoring a life and satisfying the grief of a family. If Emproso is remorseful, then she said this year in jail might bring some closure to himself and the family.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or tlaventure@thegardenisland.com.
