Police investigate alleged sex assault on school campus

KAILUA-KONA — Authorities are investigating a first-degree sexual assault that reportedly occurred between two high school students during a football game at Konawaena High School, school officials confirmed Tuesday.

The alleged assault occurred on Aug. 19. Art Souza, Department of Education complex area superintendent for Honokaa, Kealakehe, Kohala and Konawaena, confirmed the district and Hawaii Police Department are investigating the alleged sexual assault of a Konawaena High School student.

The suspect is a student at Kealakehe High School, he confirmed.

Souza said the incident was not reported to administration until four or five days after it happened. Officials would not identify the gender or age of the students involved.

Souza said the parents of the teens have been notified and are involved in the investigation.

“What we’re concerned about is the safety and security of the students,” Souza said.

Wilfred Murakami, principal at Kealakehe, said the district has been working with the students involved.

He wouldn’t say whether the Kealakehe student was suspended because it is against policy to discuss disciplinary action against a student.

“It’s under investigation and we’re doing fact finding since it didn’t happen on our campus,” Murakami said of the alleged incident.

Hawaii Police Department Major Robert Wagner confirmed authorities were investigating a sexual assault between two teenagers. No arrests were reported as of Tuesday evening.