A Kalama Valley man was charged today with misdemeanor abuse of a family member.

Paul Anthony Ah Yat, 34, was released at 1:30 p.m. after posting $1,000 bail. He has a District Court appearance scheduled April 14.

The case was initially classified as a felony abuse but charged as misdemeanor after investigation. The suspect has a prior criminal conviction.

Ah Yat is accused of grabbing his wife, 41, around the neck and making it difficult for her breathe during a domestic dispute at a Wahiawa residence last night at 8 p.m.