A drunken driver who struck and killed a pedestrian in Waikiki was sentenced yesterday to 18 months in prison and 500 hours of community service, including working with Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

It was the first time a state judge has ordered a defendant to perform community service specifically with MADD, said Jennifer Dotson, executive director of MADD Hawaii.

Circuit Judge Edwin Nacino sentenced Elwyn Keomaka II to the prison time, community service and five years’ probation. The prosecutor had recommended 10 years in prison and Keomaka’s lawyer asked for probation. Nacino also revoked Keomaka’s driver’s license for five years.

Keomaka pleaded no contest in August to first-degree negligent homicide.

His lawyer, Howard Luke, said Keomaka has not driven or consumed alcohol since Kanemori’s death. Luke said it was Keomaka who suggested the community service with MADD.

"We will be taking full advantage of this opportunity to fashion a powerful message for others," Dotson said.

Keomaka was driving the wrong way on a one-way street in Waikiki on Jan. 18 when his car struck and killed Ray Kanemori. The longtime Outrigger Hotels manager had just gotten off work and walked into the street from between two parked cars.

The state said Keomaka was traveling 29 mph in a 25-mph zone and that his blood-alcohol content was 0.12 two hours later.

State law prohibits anyone with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 or higher from operating a vehicle.