Lawmaker calls for tougher criminal charges against owner accused of years of dog abuse

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – State Rep. Darius Kila is calling for more serious charges against the owner of a terrier mix who died last month.

Eli Loli, also known as Eli-Papalii Etueatii, was charged with second-degree cruelty to animals, a misdemeanor, but the case was dismissed at the request of the Honolulu District Attorney's Office.

Kila sent a letter to District Attorney Steve Alm on Tuesday requesting a new charge. This time, however, Kila wanted Loli to be charged with first-degree animal cruelty, a Class C felony.

Loli's neighbors filmed him with their cell phones while he was walking his 12-year-old terrier, Max. In the video, Loli can be seen using the leash to lift Max off the ground and let him float in the air.

Neighbors said they had seen Loli kicking and hitting Max on previous walks.

They shared the videos with Hina's Legacy Rescue Foundation, an animal rescue organization that took in Max after Loli agreed to surrender the dog.

The group took Max to the vet and the medical records revealed that he was suffering from kidney disease, anorexia and depression, as well as the effects of dehydration and emaciation.

The notes indicate that Max also had problems walking and eating.

Examinations revealed old injuries, including broken bones.

Despite all rescue efforts, Max died in August.

“This one hurt more,” Kila said.

“This dog was abused his entire life, was eventually adopted and died without ever having the chance to have a truly loving home.”

The misdemeanor case against Loli was dismissed without prejudice.

The prosecutor's office declined to comment on the specific case, but told HNN: “It requests that proceedings be dismissed if further investigations may be necessary to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt” or if other charges – whether felony or misdemeanor – would be more appropriate.

Kila said the evidence against Loli was overwhelming and focused primarily on the animal cruelty charge. He hoped prosecutors would re-file charges.

“This is devastating for the entire community because we keep trying to hold these people accountable for the crimes they commit,” Kila said.

Hawaii News Now went to Loli's Makiki apartment, but no one came to the door.

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