Child Abuser Sentenced to Five Years in Prison
Child Abuser Sentenced to Five Years in Prison
November 21, 2008
Jai Cunnigham
A woman who abused and terrorized five children related to her for years will serve five years in prison. Rita Makekau pleaded no contest to eight felony counts and one misdemeanor.
Three of the five abused children summoned up the courage to face their tormentor in court.
"To be starved outside without any sleeping material, warm clothes, clean clothes, or food under the house," said Deputy Prosecutor Lori Wada.
"Aunty Rita is the worst. She lived with us for two years, and whacked me on my head with a knife, especially in the kitchen when getting ready for dinner. She hated us," read guardian Colette Dhakhwa.
Horrible images of physical abuse that took place here. There is also a mental toll taken on siblings who know a younger brother is being abused.
"And they would make my little brother sleep under the stairs by himself every time he made pee in his pants. It would be dark and he would be scared," read social worker for the kids, Lori Wada.
Rita Makekau claims it was discipline.
"We need to understand something, when we are put here on earth we are to discipline, the bible says to not spare the rod on your children," said Makekau.
The abused appealed to the judge for what they felt was a fair sentence.
"I think that she should get forty-one years because it's not fair that she only gets five years when we was put through hell and abused for more than five years," said victim abby Sylvester.
That was also what the state wanted, 41 years, but Judge Virginia Crandall handed down a five year sentence.
"They were very angry. They were very upset. One quote of the children was 'this is nuts,'" said Wada.
It didn't help that Makekau walked out of court before the children did, not due back until next month.
"She has made a motion to dismiss under sovereignty, and the case law is very clear that Hawaiian sovereignty does not excuse you from committing these types of crime, or any type of crime."