Klein found fit to stand trial

Justin Klein, charged with attempted murder for allegedly throwing a Japanese visitor off a cliff on Kauai’s North Shore, on Wednesday was found fit to stand trial.

A hearing on the results of Klein’s mental health examination was held before Kauai Circuit Judge Kathleen Watanabe. Klein’s trial is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 7.

A grand jury indicted Klein, 37, on a charge of second-degree attempted murder after he allegedly threw Asuza Ino from a 15-foot cliff in Kalalau Valley in December. She suffered significant head injuries and was hospitalized for more than a week before she returned to Japan.

Klein was arrested after a four-month manhunt when he was sighted at Lydgate Beach Park in Kapaa.

Sex assault brings 10 years

A Kauai circuit judge sentenced a 73-year-old registered sex offender Wednesday to 10 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl.Joseph Costa Rita Sr. of Kalaheo was convicted of third-degree sexual assault and failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements. He was sentenced to five years for each felony, to run back to back, according to a Kauai County news release.

During sentencing, Deputy Prosecutor Lisa Arin said Rita betrayed the trust of the victim’s family by taking advantage of their hospitality when they provided him a place to live. Arin urged Watanabe to impose the consecutive sentences, emphasizing Rita committed the sexual assault less than a year after he served a 15-year prison term for earlier sexual assault and incest convictions.