Mountain View, Hawaiʻi – Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen has announced that a Hilo grand jury has indicted 34-year-old Kaulana Awaa, Sr., of Mountain View, on charges related to the sexual assault of a minor. The charges stem from incidents that allegedly occurred between June 2020 and June 2025.
Awaa, Sr., made his initial court appearance in Hilo Circuit Court on August 22, 2025. His bail was maintained at $750,000.00, and he was ordered to appear for Appointment of Counsel and Trial Setting on August 27, 2025.
The indictment alleges that Awaa, Sr., is charged with:
- Continuous Sexual Assault of a Minor Under the Age of Fourteen Years (Class A felony)
- Sexual Assault in the First Degree (Class A felony)
- Felony Abuse of a Family or Household Member (Class C felony)
The most serious offenses carry a penalty of a twenty-year prison term, while the felony abuse charge carries a penalty of either a five-year prison term or five years probation and up to twelve months in jail.
The charges are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was initiated by South Hilo Patrol. The felony investigation was led by Detective Jenny Lee, Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawaiʻi Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Woodrow Pengelly.