KAILUA-KONA — A 37-year-old Puna man was charged Friday with nine sexual offenses in connection with a sexual assault reported in Hilo last week, authorities confirmed Monday.
Paul Andrew Banasihan Jr. of Keaʻau is facing three counts of fourth-degree sexual assault and six counts of second-degree sexual assault.
Charges stem from an incident that was reported on April 17. According to Hawaii Police, a female minor reported that an adult male staff member of a youth program in Hilo removed her from her classroom and took her to his personal vehicle located on premises, where he sexually assaulted her.
Banasihan posted $66,000 bail for these charges on Friday. His initial court appearance is scheduled for May 15 at the South Hilo District Court.
Police ask anyone with information about this incident to contact Det. Fetuutuunai Amuimuia at 961-2276 or Fetuutuunai.Amuimuia@hawaiicounty.gov.
Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.