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The recent sentencing of Krys-Ryan Saito Carino and his accomplice, Jayden Jarnesky, in the killing of pet pig Eddie has sparked outrage in our community and highlights a troubling deficiency within Maui's legal system: its failure to deliver justice for animals.
A mere five days in jail for Carino, and just two days for Jarnesky, for such horrific abuse reinforces the reality that animal cruelty is not taken seriously on Maui.
Our justice system is failing. Judge Kirstin Hamman excluded crucial audio and video evidence just five minutes before court began, blindsiding the prosecution.
She mandated its exclusion, along with Carino's audio confession, without justification. Alarmingly, Judge Hamman admitted a refusal to read any letters submitted by concerned community members, raising questions about the fairness of the trial.
We are tired of seeing our animals failed by a system that is unwilling to hold perpetrators accountable. Animal abuse cases are rarely prosecuted on Maui, fostering a climate where cruelty becomes normalized. Examples include starving dogs to hunt more aggressively, relocating a neighbor's "nuisance" cat, and the prevalence of cockfighting.
Eddie's case was a missed opportunity to set a legal precedent against future cruelty. Take action and let our governor and the chief justice know how you feel about the importance of serious sentences for serious crimes.
We must lobby for tougher animal rights laws. Together, we can ensure that our justice system reflects the values of compassion and respect for all living beings.
Jenny Miller
Kihei