Kihei man spared jail time for abuse, gets probation

The Maui News

WAILUKU — A Kihei man who said he stopped associating with “toxic friends” was spared additional jail time and placed on five years’ probation Tuesday in a felony abuse case.

Harrison Bliss, 36, was working, had completed a residential treatment program and was involved in a new relationship, said Deputy Public Defender Jeffrey Wolfenbarger.

“He does continue to struggle with alcohol abuse, but he is working on it,” Wolfenbarger said. “It looks like when he stays employed and stays busy, he does pretty well on probation.”

In two criminal cases, Bliss had pleaded no contest to felony abuse, second-degree unauthorized entry into a dwelling and two counts of violating an order for protection for crimes involving his former girlfriend on June 14 and Oct. 12. Three other cases were dismissed in exchange for his pleas.

First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Mike Kagami recommended that Bliss be sentenced to a one-year jail term as part of probation, based on his criminal history and the number of cases he had faced.

Bliss, who had spent more than five months in jail before posting bond to be released in January, asked for no additional jail.

“This situation stems from a toxic relationship” with his ex-girlfriend, Wolfenbarger said.

Bliss said he had “been acting pretty foolishly in regard to following court orders.”

He apologized to his ex-girlfriend and their children for actions that may have hurt them.

“I also want the court to know that I’m changing all that,” he said.

He said he was working as an electrician and hoped to return to school to earn a journeyman’s license.

“I’ve dropped contact with my toxic friends who have been a negative influence on me,” Bliss said.

Second Circuit Judge Peter Cahill said he had expected to sentence Bliss to prison Tuesday.

But after hearing from Bliss and from his employer, Cahill cited the defendant’s job, his participation in treatment and his new relationship in sentencing him to probation.

“I think it’s a factor in your favor and it will keep you out of prison,” Cahill told Bliss. “So you’ve earned the opportunity to stay out of prison.”

Bliss was ordered not to consume alcohol or illegal drugs.

Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox