Fatal crash case delayed

LIHUE — The case of a Lihue woman charged as the driver of a vehicle in a crash that killed or injured other passengers was delayed for a week to allow the court more time to find her a defense attorney.

Brittney Lehua Kane, 20, made her first appearance in 5th Circuit Court on Tuesday, where she faces charges of manslaughter, first-degree negligent homicide, second-degree assault and first-degree negligent injury.

State Deputy Public Defender Stephanie Sato said the defendant qualified for services. However, she said the office had a conflict with potential witnesses in the case and could not represent the defendant.

Judge Kathleen Watanabe first appointed attorney Michael Soong. In addressing the court, Soong said he knew the family of one of the victims and also had to declare a conflict of interest in the case.

Without another private attorney present, Watanabe continued the hearing for status of counsel to Tuesday. She said the court would identify an attorney to represent Kane prior to the hearing.

Kane is charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated after leaving an underage drinking party on Sept. 11, 2011. She was 16 years old at the time and the vehicle left Kuhio Highway and overturned after striking a tree.

The accident resulted in the death of Nahele Kapua and seriously injured Koahe Cordeiro.

Kane was not indicted until January and was arrested on a warrant issued Jan. 22. She was released on bail and was not in custody for her court appearance on Tuesday with members of her family present.