>> I wouldn't call that sticking my head in the sand. <<

Oh, I wasn't aiming that comment specifically at you, TutuLady; it was a general comment to the world at large.

>> I would be as angry, if not a right bit more were I able to go beyond news reports and find out FOR MYSELF just what the facts are. <<

That's easy. Go to http://www.courts.state.hi.us/index.jsp and under the Legal References heading click on Search Court Records. Once you enter that site you can enter a search for Howell Mahoe (Chinky's legal name) or search under Case ID number 1PC97-0-001219 and from there you can click on Court Minutes and read the official minutes from each appearance on the case, including the conviction and the sentencing. You can also see the original six charges.
So now that you can easily find out for yourself, are you angry (as you said you would be, above)?