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LĪHU‘E – Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Like announced that Keola James DeCosta, age 43 of Lawai, was sentenced on February 18, 2025, to serve 15 years in prison for a crash that caused the death of Joseph Fernandez and serious, lifelong injuries to his adult granddaughter. On January 19, 2024, Decosta, while traveling at approximately 90 miles per hour, struck Mr. Fernandez’s vehicle from behind, crushing it. Mr. Fernandez died immediately upon impact. He had just picked up his granddaughter from work at the Poipu Shopping Village.
DeCosta pled No Contest to Negligent Homicide in the First Degree and Negligent Injury in the First Degree. Negligent Homicide in the First Degree is a Class B Felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and Negligent Injury in the First Degree is a Class C Felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney H. Ramsey Ross represented the State of Hawai`i and Christian Enright represented DeCosta. The Honorable Kathleen N.A. Watanabe presided over the case. The State requested that DeCosta be sentenced to consecutive terms of imprisonment, meaning that DeCosta be sentenced to the 10 and 5 year term to run back to back. The court agreed with the State’s recommendation and sentenced DeCosta to 15 years in prison. DeCosta’s driver’s license was also permanently revoked and he was ordered to pay restitution. DeCosta had prior traffic infractions and convictions for traffic related offenses.
Prosecuting Attorney Like stated, “Our hearts go out to Mr. Fernandez’s family and to his granddaughter. The reckless actions of Mr. DeCosta have done irreparable harm to this family. Our Office also thanks KPD’s Traffic Safety Unit, specifically lead investigator Officer Tyler Henshaw, for their thorough investigation in this case. Responding to this scene was devastating. Please drive responsibly and always wear your seatbelt. Your seatbelt is your best protection against reckless or impaired drivers.”
The victim shared, “On that tragic day, I endured not only the heartbreak of loss but also the physical consequences of the accident – long-term brain damage, broken ribs and punctured lungs. These injuries have resulted in ongoing struggles, including severe memory loss. Every day, I face the reality of what I will never remember, the laughter and love that my papa would have provided.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) outlines the following tips to prevent the harms that result from drinking and driving:
- Plan your safe ride home before you start the party, choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver.
- If someone you know has been drinking do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home.
- If you drink, do not drive for any reason. Call a taxi, a ride-hailing service or a sober friend.
- If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
- Always wear your seat belt – it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
For more information on the costs of drinking and driving and prevention efforts, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
If you see an impaired driver on the road, please contact the Kauai Police Department. Your actions could help save someone’s life.
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