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Man sentenced to probation for abuse, against victim’s request

The Maui News

WAILUKU — A Wailuku man was placed on four years’ probation for illegally restraining his then-girlfriend, who reported she was “scared” after being threatened and abused by him.

Travis Nakama, 26, was given credit for two days he previously spent in jail.

Second Circuit Judge Peter Cahill denied Nakama’s request for a chance to keep the convictions off his record Thursday.

“There has to be a consequence to the actions even if you’re suffering from a mental disorder,” Cahill said.

Nakama had pleaded no contest to first-degree unlawful imprisonment and abuse.

In exchange for his pleas, the prosecution dismissed charges of kidnapping, first-degree terroristic threatening, two counts of felony abuse and six counts of abuse.

The victim, who had been in a relationship with Nakama for several months, called police May 16, 2017. She reported that after she said they should break up that morning, Nakama grabbed her by the throat, slammed her head into the wall, hit her and threatened her. She reported he grabbed her throat, then let go and hit her when she was about to pass out.

The woman said she persuaded Nakama to go for a drive before he apologized and dropped her off after a friend called asking him to go to the beach.

A plea agreement between the defense and prosecution recommended probation and no additional jail for Nakama.

In a victim impact statement, the woman asked for “the harshest sentencing possible.”

“Recovering from this incident has tested my strength in every way possible, and has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,” she said. “I still have trouble sleeping at night, keeping a job, trusting anyone — even friends.”

“He has a history of violence, but he manages to scare away anyone who tries to stand against it,” her statement said.

“Travis is dangerous, your honor,” she said. “I am scared. I don’t believe I’ll ever be safe unless he is locked up.”

The woman obtained a three-year protective order prohibiting Nakama from contacting her through May 2020.

Cahill followed the plea agreement in sentencing Nakama, who reported a documented history of mental disorder.

Nakama was ordered to continue mental health treatment, complete domestic violence intervention classes and have no contact with the victim. He also was ordered not to consume illegal drugs, including medical marijuana.

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