Hawaii

‘Still a threat’; Victim decries decision to release one of Hawaii’s most notorious serial rapists

Published

8 months ago

May 1, 2024

‘Still a threat’; Victim decries decision to release one of Hawaii’s most notorious serial rapists

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – One of Hawaii’s most notorious serial rapists is set to be released Thursday, prompting concern about whether the so-called “Manoa rapist” is still a danger to the community.

John Freudenberg was flown back to Oahu on a charter flight last week from Hilo’s minimum security prison.

The transport was in preparation for his release on Thursday.

Sheriff’s deputies, corrections officers waiting for “Manoa rapist” to arrive in Honolulu(Kawano, Lynn | None)

One of his victims told HNN Investigates that she believes he should remain behind bars.

“John Freudenberg is still a threat to public safety,” said the woman, who asked that her name not be released. The woman is credited with helping to catch Freudenberg after she picked him out of a line-up.

“He broke into my house and held me hostage in my home and held a knife to my throat, raping me and telling me he was going to kill me,” the woman said. She added that before he left, he said something to her that made her realize he had no self control. “He said, ‘I’m sorry, this had to happen to you,’” she said.

Technical problems with the state's online victim's notification network allowed a... — Technical problems with the state’s online victim’s notification network allowed a high-profile sex offender — the so-called Manoa rapist — to disappear from the system.(none)

Freudenberg served more than 40 years behind bars for a series of attacks against 15 women in Manoa in the 1980s. He was 23 when he pleaded guilty to crimes, including rape, sodomy, sex abuse and burglary.

The woman who spoke to HNN said Freudenberg cannot be trusted and pointed to his own words at a parole hearing, in which he could not guarantee that he wouldn’t reoffend.

Freudenberg’s attorney, Myles Breiner, said he understands why victims feel that way, but said his client has served his time and deserves a chance to live outside prison walls.

Breiner pointed out that Freudenberg completed multiple sex offender treatment programs.

Breiner added his client recognizes the terrible things he has done, but has taken all steps necessary to be reformed. “He has spent 40 years in prison without a misconduct, which is extraordinary,” Breiner said.

The attorney said Freudenberg did not have one infraction while behind bars.

Freudenberg was a University of Hawaii Manoa honors student and president of his fraternity when he committed the crimes over a 14-month period.

He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole, and was denied parole repeatedly until last year. After his release, Freudenberg will live in a halfway house with an ankle monitor.

'Manoa Rapist' denied parole 32 years after conviction — ‘Manoa Rapist’ denied parole 32 years after conviction

The Hawaii Paroling Authority said Freudenberg “will be closely supervised by the HPA’s Sex Offender Supervision Unit. He will be under the highest level of supervision that includes a strict curfew, electronic monitoring, reporting in-person to his parole officer at least once a week and other stringent rules he must adhere to.” Breiner also said Freudenberg will have to go out and find a job.

Freudenberg became an electrician while in prison.

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Hawaii

With jolly festivities in full swing, how are you celebrating the holidays? Share your photos!

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

With jolly festivities in full swing, how are you celebrating the holidays? Share your photos!

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – With family and friends celebrating the holidays, Hawaii News Now wants to see how you are making the most of the jolly festivities.

From house decorations and shining lights to unwrapping presents and spending time with loved ones, share your photos by submitting them below!

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Hawaii

Plane crash under investigation on Hawaii Island

Published

12 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Plane crash under investigation on Hawaii Island

WAIMEA (HawaiiNewsNow) – Federal investigators are looking into what caused a plane to crash on Hawaii Island Monday.

The National Transportation Safety Board confirms it is looking into what caused a Cessna to go down at Parker Ranch in Waimea shortly before noon.

Investigators said preliminary information indicated the plane experienced a loss of engine power.

A witness said two people walked away from the aircraft on their own. No one was hurt.

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Hawaii

Hawaii Bowl announcers Tiffany Greene, Jay Walker get rare moment in spotlight

Published

20 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

Hawaii Bowl announcers Tiffany Greene, Jay Walker get rare moment in spotlight

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring … and the only sports on TV was the Hawaii Bowl on ESPN.

The Christmas Eve game pitting South Florida (6-6) against San Jose State (7-5) didn’t bring the same energy as a major bowl, but when you’re the only live major sporting event on U.S. TV, fans will take notice.

On social media, the matchup generated surprising buzz for a minor bowl game.

People treating the Hawaii bowl tonight like it’s the Super Bowl
— Zlatni Topki (@ZlatniTopki) December 24, 2024

Out in Honolulu, ESPN had play-by-play announcer Tiffany Greene and color analyst Jay Walker on the game, and the pair, who have worked together for years, made the most of their moment in the spotlight.

Greene, who was the first African-American woman to serve as a play-by-play commentator for college football on a major network, had the opportunity to call some big plays, including this kickoff return touchdown by South Florida’s Ta’Ron Keith.

Tiffany Green was VERY amped up about this kick return touchdown and later replay of the big play from USF returner Ta’Ron Keith. pic.twitter.com/FkHDlaYBPK
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 25, 2024

And here’s Greene on a big interception early in the game.

USF forces an interception that would later result in points and a 14-0 lead over San Jose State.
Tiffany Greene and Jay Walker on the call of the Hawai’i Bowl on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/eMyo4aHsXn
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 25, 2024

Unfortunately, everything did not go smoothly for Greene and Walker. Of particular concern, Walker’s audio sounded consistently muddy, as if he were doing the broadcast remotely.

Are they actually there? Her co host literally sounds like he’s on a zoom call
— HuskerJim (@jimtheplumber63) December 25, 2024

Others on social media were even less charitable in their comments on the announcers.

This is a horrible announcing crew. This is not a high profile game, but as the only one on Cmas Eve, likely with a decent audience of folks looking for distractions, why this crew & not a better one? Why not put these guys on one of the midday workday games with less eyes/ears?
— Justin Firesheets (@JFiresheets) December 25, 2024

Yet some fans were left wanting to hear more of Greene and Walker in the future.