Nainoa Damon receives life sentence with parole for fatal shooting at Tantalus in 2022 | Crime and Courts

HONOLULU (Island News) – The man accused of shooting a teenager in the Tantalus area in 2022 has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

A judge denied the state's request for an extended sentence, which would have meant life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Nainoa Damon, 22, shot and killed Ha'aheo Kolona, ​​then 18, two years ago after Kolona attempted to rob another person on Tantalus. Damon was also found guilty of robbery, terroristic threats and weapons offenses.

During the sentencing, Damon continued to claim that there was insufficient evidence to convict.

Kolona's father, Blake Kolona, ​​continued to argue for Damon's chance at parole to be taken away.

“This is my son Ha'aheo Kolona – a good man who tried to save someone from violence and terrorism. Fifteen years? Good behavior? He's out. I'm sorry I was so rude now, but this is unacceptable. I'm unhappy with the system and I question corruption,” Blake said.

Damon must spend at least 15 years in prison on the murder charge before he can be released on parole.