A Big Island jury on Thursday found a Ka’u man guilty of sex assault offenses against a minor following a two-week trial in Kona, according to the Hawaii County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. A Big Island jury on Thursday
A Big Island jury on Thursday found a Ka‘u man guilty of sex assault offenses against a minor following a two-week trial in Kona, according to the Hawaii County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.
David Kaawa IV was found guilty of continuous sex assault of a child under age 14 and first-degree sex assault of a child between 14 and 16 years old, according to the office.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence and witnesses, including victims, educators, police and counselors, that Kaawa had sexually abused a child in Naalehu during a four- to five-year period. Kaawa, according to the office, testified the child had fabricated the allegations.
Two expert witnesses, including a sex assault nurse examiner and a psychologist, also provided testimony, according to the office.
Sentencing in the case is set for June 28, according to the office. Each offense carries a mandatory indeterminate to 20-year prison sentence.
