KEALAKEKUA — A mental examination was ordered for a Kailua-Kona woman accused of attempting to take a child away from a Kealakehe Elementary School classroom.
On Tuesday, Kehaulani Rubio, 42, appeared before Kona District Judge Margaret Masunaga for her initial appearance on a charge of first-degree custodial interference, a class C felony. According to police, a woman, later identified as Rubio, attempted to physically remove a child from a classroom Monday morning while school was in session. A staff member intervened and prevented Rubio from taking the child.
“Contact with the child’s family members indicates that the woman is not known to them, and had no authorization to remove the child,” police stated.
School officials sent a letter home to parents Monday, indicating an incident occurred.
“The Hawaii Police Department responded immediately,” the letter states. “The school is cooperating with their investigation.”
During Tuesday’s hearing, Rubio’s attorney, Matthew Sylva, requested a fitness examination be conducted. Deputy Prosecutor Timothy Rodes didn’t object, as long as bail was maintained at $10,000.
Sylva argued that Rubio hadn’t been diagnosed with anything at this time and the charge is an accusation. He added she has a stable residence and is not a flight risk.
Masunaga maintained bail at $10,000. If Rubio posts bail, the judge ordered conditions that she not contact the 5-year-old child and remain 100 yards away from her at all times. She also must remain 500 yards away from Kealakehe Elementary.
Rubio’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 26.
At Kealakehe Elementary on Tuesday, parents were concerned about Monday’s events.
Ruth Note has a 7-year-old child who attends the school. She learned about the incident through Facebook and read about it when she got the parent letter from school officials.
“I was really shocked when I heard about it,” she said. “I think they (the school) should have their own security.”
Email Tiffany DeMasters at tdemasters@westhawaiitoday.com.