Kaua‘i resident pleads guilty to wire fraud and identity theft

A Kauaʻi resident has pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft related to fraudulent applications for pandemic Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds.

On Oct. 9, 2025, Kaiaulani C. Kaiawe, also known as “Coty K. Duhaylongsod,” entered a plea agreement in U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaiʻi, admitting to two counts of wire fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft.

“The Kauaʻi County Housing Agency, which administered the Emergency Rental Assistance Program in partnership with Kauaʻi Federal Credit Union, would like to thank their staff and leadership for detecting and reporting this incident of fraud among the thousands of applications for assistance that were submitted,” said Housing Director Adam Roversi. “In addition, the County thanks the Kauaʻi Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their diligence in investigating and prosecuting this case.”

According to court documents, Kaiawe “engaged in a knowing and intentional scheme” to obtain Emergency Rental Assistance funds she was not entitled to receive. Prosecutors said Kaiawe submitted multiple claims for assistance on behalf of herself, relatives, acquaintances, and even fictitious individuals — using a combination of real and falsified personal information and documents to support the claims.

In total, Kaiawe obtained $126,026 in rental assistance payments through the fraudulent applications.

Kaiawe faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each wire fraud count, as well as mandatory two-year prison terms for each identity theft count and additional fines of up to $250,000. Under the plea agreement, she has also agreed to a money judgment of $126,026, to be paid before her sentencing hearing set for Feb. 12, 2026.