Woman arrested after argument turns violent

WAILUKU — A 33-yearold Makawao woman was arrested after attacking her parents and shattering a door with a piece of wood Thursday night, according to police.

Rachel DeCoite was charged with first-degree criminal property damage, seconddegree assault and three counts of felony abuse.

At 6:23 p.m. Thursday, she was arguing with her mother about custody of her 3-year-old daughter when DeCoite began punching her mother while she was carrying the child, according to a declaration filed in court to support the charges.

Then DeCoite wrapped her hands around her mother’s neck, impeding her breathing for eight seconds, Deputy Prosecutor Brant Yoshimoto said during DeCoite’s initial appearance Friday in Wailuku District Court.

When DeCoite’s father intervened, DeCoite turned her anger toward him and used a 5foot piece of wood to strike him on his arm, Yoshimoto said.

He said DeCoite’s mother retreated into the residence before DeCoite followed and used the wood to smash a glass door, which shattered.

“All this happened while her 3-year-old daughter was watching her anger and her aggression toward her own parents,” Yoshimoto said.

While the prosecution recommended that bail remain at $21,000, Deputy Public Defender Gustavo Gonzalez asked for bail to be reduced to $11,000.

Judge Kirstin Hamman granted the defense request, noting DeCoite doesn’t have a significant prior criminal record. DeCoite was ordered to have no contact with her parents and to stay away from their residence.