Closure and courage: Man faces justice following teen’s abduction from West Hawaii beach

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A Hawaii Island man accused of abducting a 15-year-old girl and holding her captive in a bus on his Hilo property two years ago pleaded no contest to multiple charges in a Kona courtroom Tuesday morning.

Cher Angelel spoke on behalf of her daughter, Mikella, after the hearing.

The family expressed deep gratitude, thanking everyone who had a part in not only bringing the teen home, but also those who have helped to deliver justice in this years-long case.

“Today is the beginning of the end,” Angelel said. “There aren’t enough thanks for people that really stepped up. Way too many people to name. But you know who you are and we are so endlessly grateful for your support and help.”

Duncan Mahi pleaded no contest to two counts of kidnapping and one count of sexual assault in connection with the two-day crime spree that spanned Hawaii Island before the teen managed to escape in Hilo with the help of two good Samaritans who recognized her at a restaurant.

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Attorney Jeffrey Foster said, “A plea of no contest basically means that the defendant does not plead guilty, but he also agrees not to contest the charges against him.”

According to the plea agreement, Mahi will spend no less than 20 years behind bars.

It also means Mikella and the boy who was with her at the time of the abduction won’t have to testify at a trial.

“They are seniors in high school and ready to get on with their lives and not having a trial will definitely be a good thing for all of us,” said Angelel.

Today, Mikella is about to turn 18. Angelel said she is doing phenomenal.

“She has risen above it,” Angelel said. “She’s gotten on with her life. She’s a straight-A student. She’s applying for colleges, applying for scholarships. She’s going places in life.”

Angelel credits her daughter’s intelligence for helping bring her captor to justice.

“And I really want young women to really know what my daughter did to save herself and learn from her,” she said. “Memorizing his license plate from the very get-go. She left hair in the school bus he was keeping her in for DNA. She really did things that helped out the police.”

Mahi’s sentencing is scheduled for March 14 at 8:30 a.m. in Kona.

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