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Question: On Aug. 17 Pablo Fiesta Jr. allegedly murdered his wife, Cecilia, at their home. The brutal attack was reportedly witnessed by their 10-year-old daughter. Subsequently, I read in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that Fiesta is not a U.S. citizen. No mention was made of his legal status. Please advise as to whether Fiesta is a legal immigrant or an undocumented/illegal immigrant.
Answer: Pablo Fiesta Jr. is a legal immigrant from the Philippines. Department of Homeland Security databases indicate he entered the U.S. as a legal permanent resident in 2013.
Fiesta, 46, has been charged with second-degree murder in the slaying, which occurred in the family’s Aliamanu home. If convicted, he potentially could be deported after serving prison time. Lawful permanent residents become subject to possible removal if convicted of certain crimes, including murder. U.S. immigration judges, under the auspices of the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review, make the final determination regarding an individual’s deportability.
“Given the seriousness of the allegations associated with this individual’s arrest, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is monitoring the case closely. If the charge ultimately results in a conviction, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations will lodge a detainer on the defendant seeking his transfer to ICE custody once any sentence imposed is completed,” said Lori K. Haley, a public information officer for the western region of the agency, which enforces federal laws governing border control, customs, trade and immigration.
A state deputy prosecutor noted in Circuit Court that Fiesta was not a U.S. citizen and was considered a flight risk if released from custody; that information was included in the news story you cited. Fiesta’s bail was set at $500,000, and he remained confined at Oahu Community Correctional Center as of Thursday, according to a database that tracks incarceration nationally.
Q: What is the latest schedule to repave Pali Highway?
A: The Pali Highway Improvements project is scheduled to start construction in April 2017 “to allow completion of environmental clearances and to coordinate the construction impacts of projects on alternate routes,” said Meghan Small, an information specialist for the state Department of Transportation. The Likelike Highway Resurfacing project will begin construction in early 2016 and is expected to be substantially completed in early 2017, she noted.
The Pali Highway resurfacing will be completed in two phases, she said. Phase 1 will consist of resurfacing from Waokanaka Street to Kamehameha Highway, and lighting replacement from Vineyard Boulevard to Kamehameha Highway, with most of the work expected to be performed at night. Phase 2 will consist of resurfacing from Vineyard Boulevard to Waoka- naka Street, with most of the work expected to be performed during the day.
“We expect both phases to be completed by the end of 2020,” Small said.
Auwe
A big auwe to gridlockers. Can’t they see that blocking cross streets makes traffic even worse?! UH and all the schools are back in session. It’s raining a lot. There’s construction everywhere. There are tons of tourists on the roads. The point is, traffic is heavy enough as it is. Drivers should be patient and move only when they can make it completely through an intersection. Don’t gridlock and make everyone around you suffer more than necessary!
Mahalo
A belated mahalo to the person who recovered my gold chain and emerald cross at a favorite hotel in downtown Las Vegas in late May. After my fruitless search I was filled with gratitude and appreciation that you took the time to drop off my treasured birthday gift at the lost and found department. — From a thankful one
Write to "Kokua Line" at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
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