Family Sues Driver Over Fatal CrashVictim Left Six Children BehindPOSTED: 3:43 p.m. HST April 2, 2003 HONOLULU -- The family of a Waipahu woman killed in a crash in February said Wednesday they want justice.
The attorney representing Jonelle Tapu's family said a drunk driver hit the 36-year-old airport security guard as she was on her way to work.
Tapu left behind six children between ages 2 and 15, one who has been diagnosed with cancer.
A civil lawsuit filed by Tapu's brothers and sisters is seeking damages against Ronald Kubo Jr., 25. Kubo was arrested for investigation of negligent homicide, but is free on bail.
"The brothers and sisters are pitching in. They are a close and loving family, but this death of Jonelle has absolutely just devastated the family," attorney Richard Turbin said.
"Now she's gone so it's hard, it's so hard," Tapu's sister, Lehua Vete, said.
"We support MADD, that 10 years is not enough. It's not going to cut it," Tapu's brother, Darrin Manu, said referring to possible sentencing. "Life in prison is good enough for me because it's not going to bring her life back. She has six kids."
Police are still investigating the crash, which happened on the freeway near the Aiea cutoff.
Kubo's attorney could not be reached for comment.
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