KEALAKEKUA — A Kona Circuit Court judge on Monday reduced bail for two additional associates of accused cop killer Justin Waiki.
Judge Robert D.S. Kim lowered bail for Mokihana Veincent from $500,000 to $50,000 and Jamie Jason’s bail was reduced from $1 million to $100,000. An updated bail study was requested to see if electronic monitoring is a possibility for the women if they post bail.
Veincent and Jason are accused of assisting Waiki while he was on the lam from authorities during the summer after reportedly shooting and killing Hawaii Police Department Officer Bronson Kaliloa on July 17 in Mountain View.
The prosecutor’s office filed an indictment Aug. 14 that charged seven people, including Veincent and Jason, for assisting Waiki in evading law enforcement during a weeklong islandwide search for the 33-year-old.
Jason along with Krystle Ferreira, Malia Lajala and Jorge Pagan-Torres were with Waiki the day he was caught by officers July 20. They were traveling together on South Point Road when they were stopped at a police checkpoint.
During a search of the vehicle, Waiki was found hiding in the back. After he shot at officers, police returned fire. He died from gunshots. Jason also suffered a gunshot wound and one officer was injured.
The indictment also includes Taumi Carr.
All seven individuals face charges of hindering prosecution. Lajala, Ferreira, Jason and Pagan-Torres also were charged with first-degree attempted murder.
“I realize these are serious charges but there is a presumption of innocence and, like I said before, this is her first serious brush with the law,” said Jeffrey Hawk, Jason’s attorney.
The prosecution filed opposition to the reduction in Jason’s bail and supervised release, citing flight risk because of the seriousness of the charges.
However, Deputy Prosecutor Sheri Lawson told Kim the state planned not to file a motion for no bail at this time. Since no bail status was requested, Kim decided to reduce Jason’s bail.
Kim also asked Jason about her income and the property she owned and determined she was indigent, or in poverty.
According to Hawaii State Statutes, Kim added, it is required of all judges and officers of the court that the indigent status of a person and their income must be considered in any circumstances regarding bail.
Veincent renewed her motion for reduced bail or supervised release. It was initially denied in October. Her attorney, Christopher Eggert, asked the judge to consider his client’s “indigency.”
Veincent was on felony status when the alleged events involving Waiki took place after she was arrested on drug charges.
Kim lowered bail with electronic monitoring.
All seven defendants waived their right to a speedy trial and a new trial date is scheduled for June 25 in Hilo.
Kim said the trial will take place in East Hawaii because the Kona courthouse doesn’t have sufficient security to handle the proceedings.
Email Tiffany DeMasters at tdemasters@westhawaiitoday.com.
