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Man convicted of Kihei stabbing is released from jail

Robert Prout

WAILUKU — A man who stabbed another man in the neck at a Kihei park was released Tuesday after spending about 19 months in jail for the attack.

Robert Kimo Prout, 50, was placed on four years’ probation as part of his sentence.

Originally charged with attempted second-degree murder, Prout had pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of first-degree assault.

“It’s a fair resolution,” said defense attorney John Parker.

He said Prout was prescribed medication after an accident when he was younger. That played a part in what happened the afternoon of Oct. 25, 2015 — “not because he misused (his medications) but because they were stolen from him,” Parker said.

Witnesses at Waipuilani Park described seeing Prout walk up to 36-year-old Gary Keliiwaiwaiole and stab him in the neck the afternoon of Oct. 25, 2015. As others tended to Keliiwaiwaiole, Prout rode away on his scooter, witnesses said.

Police arrested Prout the next day.

In court Tuesday, Prout said he felt he was being targeted by Keliiwaiwaiole.

“I understand . . . I cannot take the law into my own hands,” Prout said.

“You won’t have no trouble with me,” Prout said. “I’m just really sorry the whole thing happened.”

In reaching the plea agreement reducing the charge and recommending probation for Prout, the prosecution took into account the defendant’s statement to police officers “that he was being targeted,” said Special Deputy Attorney General Mark Disher.

He said that Prout has an extensive criminal history, but most of his crimes “are the result of his living on the street and alcohol related.”

“Though the actions of the defendant were fairly serious, Mr. Keliiwaiwaiole was no angel,” Disher said. “There may be truth to the defendant’s statement.”

By Prout’s account, the attack was a “pre-emptive strike,” Disher said.

“This type of self-help and vigilantism should have no place in society,” Disher said.

In sentencing Prout, 2nd Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza followed the plea agreement but noted that the offense was serious.

“But for the plea agreement, I would be sending you to prison right now,” Cardoza told Prout.

Prout was ordered to pay $3,038 in restitution.

He was ordered not to consume alcohol or illegal drugs and not be around others using such substances. He also was ordered to stay away from Waipuilani Park and to have no contact with Keliiwaiwaiole and witnesses in the case.

* Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.

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