Myisha Lee Armitage responsible for the 2016 Nanakuli hit-and-run that claimed the life of 19-year-old Kaulana Werner will not face any additional jail time.
Under a plea agreement, Myisha-Lee Armitage pleaded guilty on Monday to charges of negligent homicide and leaving the scene of an accident involving death or serious bodily injury.
“All we ever wanted was for her to fully accept responsibility,” expressed Ed Werner, Kaulana Werner’s father.
As part of the plea deal, Armitage received an 18-month sentence, which includes credit for time already served. Additionally, she is now under five years of probation and is prohibited from driving or consuming alcohol during this period.
“We can now move forward. Today, my family forgives her,” Werner shared.
The family of fatal hit-and-run victim Kaulana Werner was back in court to get justice and commit the selfless act of forgiveness.
“Myisha, we forgive you,” the family said, as they hugged the woman who took their son's life.
— KHON2 News (@KHONnews) May 23, 2023
Following Kaulana’s tragic passing, the Werner family has been actively working to improve road safety in Hawaii. They have been involved in sign waving and organizing events to raise awareness about the consequences of drunk driving.
Their efforts led to the passing of Kaulana’s Law, which increases the maximum sentence for hit-and-run drivers. The family explains that they only learned about Armitage’s readiness to make a plea deal and accept full responsibility last month.
The Werner family informed HNN that they will continue their endeavors to encourage people to refrain from drinking and driving.
What was Kaulana Werner Death Case?
A Nanakuli family, who tragically lost their teenage son in a hit-and-run incident seven years ago, has dedicated much of that time to advocating for stricter laws against drunk driving. On Monday, May 22, the Werner family returned to court seeking justice and displaying an act of selfless forgiveness.
Under a plea agreement, 29-year-old Myisha Armitage pleaded guilty to charges of negligent homicide and causing an accident resulting in death or injury. In exchange, she received a sentence of 18 months, which accounted for the time she had already served, and five years of probation. Armitage expressed her remorse and offered an apology to the victim’s family in court.
“I genuinely and deeply apologize for taking Kaulana away from you. I am sorry for not approaching you on my own to express my remorse,” she said.
Kaulana’s parents conveyed to the judge that their sole wish was for Armitage to acknowledge her responsibility.
“Myisha, we forgive you,” they stated, embracing her.
In April 2016, Armitage was driving under the influence when she fatally struck 19-year-old Kaulana Werner.
Since then, the Werner family has successfully contributed to the passage of Kaulana’s Law, which increases the maximum sentence for hit-and-run drivers. In 2019, Armitage was initially found guilty of negligent homicide, but the verdict was overturned upon appeal.
At present, the family’s foremost priority is moving forward, as they believe it is what Kaulana would have wanted.
“Sending her to jail won’t bring Kaulana back. I simply hope that she can raise awareness out there,” expressed Ed Werner, Kaulana’s father.
“I struggle to find the appropriate words, but Kaulana saved me. I can’t fully articulate what I mean, and I don’t intend to cause you further pain with my words, but he saved me,” Armitage shared.
The judge emphasized to Armitage that this plea deal offered her a second chance, urging her to honor Kaulana’s memory by making the most of it.
“His brief life has brought about significant and positive change in this world. That torch has now been passed to you. Carry it with pride and the courage that I know you possess,” Judge Paul Wong stated.
“Our son would have done the same. He would have forgiven her a long time ago, and we are no different from him,” Ed added.
As part of her plea agreement, Armitage is prohibited from driving for the duration of her five-year probation.
