Opinion ID: 1152636
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: conclusion

Text: 1. The prior act evidence which the [prosecution] wishes to introduce is probative of other facts which are of consequence to the determination of the case, including, but not limited to, proof of motive, intent, plan, and to rebut the defense of extreme emotional disturbance. State v. Pinero, 70 Haw. 509, 778 P.2d 704 (1989). 2. The prior act evidence, if proved, rebuts both prongs of the extreme mental or emotional disturbance defense in that it may tend to show that [Maelega] acted with self-control at the time that he allegedly killed his wife, and secondly, it may tend to show that even if [Maelega] did not act with self-control, then there was no reasonable explanation for his extreme mental or emotional disturbance. 3. This court has weighed the probative value of the prior act evidence and finds that its probative value far outweighs any danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, misleading the jury, or by considerations of undue delay, waste of time, or needless presentation of cumulative evidence. (Emphases added.) We hold that the circuit court applied the appropriate analysis, see Robinson, 79 Hawai`i at 471-72, 903 P.2d at 1292-93 (explicating Pinero I, supra ), and did not abuse its discretion in admitting evidence of Maelega's prior bad acts.