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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 10:29 a.m., Monday, April 27, 2009

Lahaina man sentenced to five years for West Maui burglaries

By Lila Fujimoto
Maui News

WAILUKU — A Lahaina man who said he stole to buy drugs and food was sentenced Friday to a five-year prison term for a series of burglaries of West Maui visitor accommodations last year.

As a repeat offender with prior burglary, theft and drug convictions, Raymond Fauhiva must serve all five years before being eligible for parole.

The 23-year-old's probation was revoked in three prior criminal cases, and he was sentenced to 10-year prison terms for five first-degree burglary convictions in 2004 cases.

"I know I've had a lot of opportunities to change my life and I ruined that," Fauhiva said. "I'm ready to take responsibility for my actions.

"I'm a heavy ice addict. I did the crimes I did to feed my ice habit, feed me and my girlfriend on the street. We were living out of my car."

In his latest case, Fauhiva had pleaded no contest to three reduced charges of second-degree burglary, two counts of second-degree theft, third-degree theft and fourth-degree theft.

The burglaries occurred last August and September at locations along Lower Honoapiilani Road, including the Napili Kai Beach Resort and Outrigger Maui El Dorado.

Noting that the units were burglarized when bedrooms were entered while people were asleep, 2nd Circuit Judge Joel August said letters indicated that occupants felt robbed of their sense of security.

"Some expressed great anger, but I think underneath that anger is great fear," August said.

Fauhiva said he had been clean for 18 months while participating in treatment and living on Oahu. But when he moved back to Maui and was around old friends, he said he relapsed.

August said Fauhiva could seek treatment while incarcerated.

"You think you're strong enough to beat the drugs?" the judge asked Fauhiva.

"If I don't, I'll be in prison for the rest of my life," he replied. "In my heart, I'm ready. I had my share of drugs."

Fauhiva was ordered to pay $2,476 in restitution.