Thefts cost Kauai County $86K
LIHUE » Kauai County officials are reviewing security measures and community lending policies after the thefts of equipment worth $86,000.
A service truck, office equipment, tools and an emergency generator were stolen in a two-week period starting July 7.
Community organizations often borrow generators and other equipment at no charge. The Garden Island reported Friday that the county will revisit the practice.
County engineer Larry Dill said the equipment is crucial for plumbing services and to prepare for natural disasters.
Councilman Mel Rapozo says he’s concerned about a lack of security.
Dill said the Department of Public Works is looking to add motion sensor lights to deter future thefts. He said officials want to get estimates for security alarms and surveillance systems.
Plea changed to guilty in slaying
HILO » A second suspect charged with the 2012 killing of a Hawaiian Acres man has changed his plea to guilty.
Claude Keone Krause, 32, pleaded guilty Thursday to killing Dante Peter Gilman on Dec. 28, 2012, at Gilman’s home.
Krause’s cousin Kawena Krause, 21, pleaded no contest to the murder Oct. 7.
A video camera in Gilman’s home captured Claude Krause holding Gilman at gunpoint while Kawena Krause choked him to death, the Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported.
Prosecutors dropped burglary, robbery, theft and firearm charges against Claude Krause in exchange for the guilty plea. Hilo Circuit Judge Glenn Hara will sentence him Dec. 8.
The plea deal calls for Krause to be sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Prosecutors will request that the Hawaii Paroling Authority set his minimum prison term at 30 years.
Gilman, 44, was a former competition surfer and son of the late Peter Gilman, a Honolulu Star-Bulletin reporter in the 1950s who wrote a best-selling novel, "Diamond Head." The book was made into a 1963 movie starring Charlton Heston.
Gilman was reported missing Jan. 10, 2013. His body was found 12 days later on a road off Stainback Highway in Panaewa.
Gilman’s girlfriend, Alohalani Silva, said last year the cousins had stolen a motorcycle from Gilman, leading Gilman to install the security cameras because he feared other thefts or violence. After the slaying, the two men ransacked and burglarized Gilman’s home but did not find the surveillance system hard drive, Silva said. Silva turned it over to police, she said.
