The man who killed Good Samaritan Ned Nakoa Jr. last year in Waikiki was sentenced yesterday to 30 years in prison.

"You're a coward," Circuit Judge Steven Alm told the defendant, 20-year-old Kelii Acasia, in a hearing yesterday morning. "You're a dangerous, violent guy.

"You can be a role model for doing things the wrong way, for what not to do."

Acasia was convicted in May of manslaughter for fatally punching and kicking Nakoa, 58, who tried to stop an altercation between Acasia's co-defendant, Benjamin Pada, and another man.

Acasia was on probation for a sexual assault when he attacked Nakoa.

Alm revoked that probation and ordered the defendant to serve 10 years in prison for the sexual assault — after he completes a 20-year sentence for the manslaughter conviction.

"You are a troubled, violent young man," the judge said. "Society must be protected from you."

Alm passed sentence after three relatives of Nakoa spoke about him.

His sister, Paula Rabanes, spoke of the "excruciating pain" Nakoa's death had brought to his family.

Nakoa had left a wedding party for Rabanes' daughter the night he was killed on a Waikiki sidewalk.

Rabanes read a letter from her daughter which described Nakoa as "a man with an infectious energy, a kind-hearted soul who never intentionally hurt anybody."

Niece Michelle Charis said of Nakoa, "One thing he always taught us: Work hard, play harder."

Acasia addressed the judge and Nakoa's family members before he was sentenced.

"I'm sorry. I take responsibility for my actions," he said.

Acasia said he "grew up on the streets since I was young."

"I grew up fighting, but that's not the person I really am," he said.

Deputy Prosecutor Charlene Ikeda asked Alm for the consecutive sentences "for the safety of the community."

She said the defendant has had repeated chances to reform his behavior but instead has escalated his violence.

Alm agreed, reviewing Acasia's criminal record of felony offenses, beginning with an assault committed when he was 15 years old.

Theft and sexual assault convictions followed, including the rape of another boy while they were locked up in the Hawai'i Youth Correctional Facility, Alm said.

Alm said Acasia had "a very rough upbringing," but noted that "a lot of people grow up in terribly difficult situations."

Nakoa was "an older man who had had too much to drink," the judge said, making him an "easier target" for Acasia's violence.

After punching and kicking the victim to the ground, Acasia stood over Nakoa, raised his hands in the air and "celebrated," Alm said.

He shouted "Westside! Wai'anae!" as Nakoa lay at his feet, the judge noted.

"You are a coward. You brought shame upon yourself and your community," Alm said.