Lawai man sentenced to 15 years in prison
LIHUE — A Lawai man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his connection in the January 2024 two-vehicle collision that killed a Kalaheo man and left a woman with serious life-long injuries.
On Tuesday, 43-year-old Keola James DeCosta from Lawai was sentenced to 15 years in prison after he pleaded No Contest to Negligent Homicide in the First Degree and Negligent Injury in the First Degree for his involvement in last year’s traffic collision that killed Joseph Fernandez and caused lifelong injuries to his granddaughter.
It was reported that on the evening of Jan. 19, 2024, DeCosta was behind the wheel of a 2023 Toyota Tacoma traveling westbound on Poipu Road. DeCosta was driving approximately 90 miles per hour when he rear-ended Fernandez’s 2014 Hyundai Accent, crushing it.
Fernandez, who had just picked up his 25-year-old granddaughter from work at the Poipu Shopping Village, died on impact. His granddaughter, who was also in the Hyundai, suffered serious injuries.
During his sentencing on Feb. 18, the State requested that DeCosta serve his term consecutively, meaning he be sentenced to serve his ten- and five-year prison sentences back-to-back. The court agreed with the State’s recommendation and sentenced DeCosta to 15 years in prison. His driver’s license was also permanently revoked, and he was ordered to pay restitution.
DeCosta is noted as having prior traffic infractions and convictions for traffic-related offenses. Court records revealed DeCostas’s traffic-related criminal record extends back 23 years.
Fernandez’s granddaughter was present at sentencing and shared the following statement;
“On that tragic day, I endured not only the heartbreak of loss but also the physical consequences of the accident – long-term brain damage, broken ribs, and punctured lungs.
“These injuries have resulted in ongoing struggles, including severe memory loss. Every day, I face the reality of what I will never remember, the laughter and love that my papa would have provided,” she said.
Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Like also addressed the court and sympathized with Mr. Fernandez’s ‘ohana. She also thanked the Kauai Police Department for their work during the investigation and emphasized safe driving.
“Our hearts go out to Mr. Fernandez’s family and his granddaughter, shared Like, “The reckless actions of Mr. DeCosta have done irreparable harm to this family.”
“Our Office also thanks KPD’s Traffic Safety Unit, specifically lead investigator Officer Tyler Henshaw, for thoroughly investigating this case.
“Responding to this scene was devastating. Please drive responsibly and always wear your seatbelt. Your seatbelt is your best protection against reckless or impaired drivers,” she said.
Kauai police reminds the community that if you witness unsafe or unlawful actions, call the non-emergency line at 808- 241-1711 and provide clear, accurate details. If the situation is an emergency, call 911.
Why on earth should this moron EVER get out of prison?
He’ll be out in 7 1/2 years if he behaves himself in prison, and in Hawaii, there will be absolutely nothing stopping him from getting behind the wheel of a truck again. Justice will only be served here if he mouths off to the wrong prisoner and gets beaten to a bloody, crippled pulp.
I don’t know how killing someone driving 90 mph. and serve only 15 years in prison. he probably will get out early and serve only 5 years or less. This Kauai justice system is so messed up. I don’t believe it. If this was the Judges family member I am sure this person would get life. So sad, the Judge don’t think about the granddaughter that she had to see her grandpa die in front of her, for life she is messed up. Her memory of that car crash is so traumatizing. I have been in a fatal accident and i suffer all the time from it. nightmares. I hope the family the best.
Very sad situation for all involved,,, we all need to assure our friends and family do not drive if they have been drinking,,,, and restaurants need plans to assure they are not enabling drivers to drink!!!