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STAR-ADVERTISER / 2009
Keoki Kahumoku
HILO >> A Hawaii musician has pleaded not guilty to charges that he restrained and sexually assaulted a woman in 2015.
Keoki Kahumoku appeared before Hilo Circuit Judge Glenn Hara on Wednesday to face two counts of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of kidnapping, the Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported.
The 46-year-old Kahu- moku spoke softly while answering a series of routine questions from the judge, and said, “I am a U.S. citizen,” when Hara read a required immigration advisory statement.
Hara maintained Kahu- moku’s bail at $150,000. If Kahumoku posts bail, Hara said he is prevented from contacting the alleged victim and must stay at least 100 yards away from her home and workplace.
A Kona grand jury indicted Kahumoku on Tuesday. The assaults allegedly took place in Kau on Hawaii island in May 2015. He was arrested at Hilo Medical Center on Tuesday.
Hara ordered Kahumoku to appear for trial April 11 before Kona Circuit Judge Ronald Ibarra.
According to Kahumoku’s website, he is a slack-key guitarist, ukulele player and teacher.
He has recorded numerous CDs solo and with other Hawaiian artists and founded the nonprofit Center for Hawaiian Music Studies. It provides music instruction and cultural opportunities to local youth, the website said.
What is this required immigration advisory statement?