Full Notification

Hawaiʻi Police Department
Juvenile Aid Section, Area I
Lieutenant Lucille Melemai
Phone: 961-2254
Report No. C18010937


Media Release

A 37-year-old Puna man was charged on Friday (April 20) with nine sexual offenses in connection with a sexual assault reported in Hilo on Tuesday afternoon (April 17).

Police charged Paul Andrew Banasihan Jr. of Keaʻau with three counts of fourth degree sexual assault and six counts of second degree sexual assault.

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 April 20, 2018. His initial court appearance is scheduled for May 15, 2018 at 1330 hours in South Hilo District Court.

Police ask anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Fetuutuunai Amuimuia at 961-2276 or [email protected].

Tipsters 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 $1,000.00. 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.

The Crime Stoppers TV Program is available on-demand from Nā Leo TV.