Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 64 year-old Paul K.K. Caitano of Hilo was indicted with offenses related to the sexual assault of a minor that occurred between February 2014 and February 2018.

Caitano is charged with 23 counts, which include eight counts of Sexual Assault in the First Degree, two counts of Continuous Sexual Assault of Minor Under the Age of Fourteen, twelve counts of Sexual Assault in the Third Degree, and a single count of Attempted Sexual Assault in the Third Degree.

The most serious offenses, Sexual Assault in the First Degree, are all class A felony offenses and carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Yesterday Caitano made his initial appearance in Hilo Circuit Court where the Prosecutors request for a bail increase to $630,000.00 was denied.  The Court maintained Caitano’s bail at $500,000.00 and he was released from custody after posting said amount.

The Court ordered Caitano to appear for his jury trial on September 19, 2022.

As part of the special terms and conditions of his release on bail, Caitano was ordered to stay away and not contact the minor complainant and anyone residing at the minor’s residence. He was also ordered to not contact any minor child, not reside in any residence with a minor, and stay away from schools, playgrounds, parks, theaters, or any place where unsupervised minors congregate.

The investigation was handled by Detective Gavin Kagimoto, Area I Juvenile Aid Section and Lieutenant BJ Sagon, Kona Patrol, formerly of Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sylvia Wan.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office