A man whose negligence led to the death of a man on Kuhio Highway in 2008 has been sentenced to a year in prison and five years probation.

The Kaua'i Police Department investigation into a four-car crash in January 2008 that killed Troy Medina Sr., 35, of Lihu'e, showed that Alberto Lopez Jr., in taking tires from one truck and putting them on another, did not properly tighten the tires to the wheels, said county Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lauren McDowell.

One of the tires came off Lopez's truck while he was driving southbound on Kuhio Highway, and northbound vehicles swerved to avoid that tire.

One car crossed the center line and caused a head-on collision that killed Medina and seriously injured another person, McDowell said.

Deputy Public Defender John Calma, citing multiple medical conditions suffered by Lopez and his multiple community service efforts, argued for probation, saying any incarceration would create "serious hardship."

"I'm sorry for what had happened," said Lopez, adding that he feels bad for the family and that he didn't plan to hurt anyone. "I'm really sorry it happened."

Lopez was originally charged with second-degree negligent homicide and first-degree negligent injury, with the second charged dropped in a plea deal.

Fifth Circuit Judge Kathleen Watanabe ordered the driver's license of Lopez revoked for two years, and for Lopez to complete 500 hours of community service after his release from prison.