Suit alleges sexual harassment of male Hawaii tour workers

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HONOLULU — A man who controls three related Hawaii tour companies subjected male employees to sexual harassment, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said in a lawsuit filed Wednesday.

HONOLULU — A man who controls three related Hawaii tour companies subjected male employees to sexual harassment, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said in a lawsuit filed Wednesday.

Discovering Hidden Hawaii Tours, Inc. President Leo Malagon recruited young men to work for the companies, sexually harassed them and then retaliated against those who complained, the lawsuit said. The company does business as Discover Hawaii Tours, according to the lawsuit.

He had control over employees of Hawaii Tours and Transportation, Inc., which his wife owns, and managed events operated by Big Kahuna Luau, Inc., the lawsuit said.

Malagon couldn’t be reached for comment. Discovering Hidden Hawaii Tours Director of Administration Diana Swahn said there would be no comment on pending litigation.

The allegations detailed in the lawsuit include that Malagon made men show him their private parts to be considered for employment and made bonuses contingent upon engaging in sexual acts with him.

One former employee who complied with Malagon’s request for oral sex later called a hotline to report the incident and was instructed to go to a hospital, the lawsuit said. Another former employee said the harassment began during his job interview when Malagon allegedly directed him to masturbate and look at pornography, the lawsuit said.