A Hilo jury found 42 year-old Paul Banashihan, Jr. of Puna guilty of nine sexual assault offenses after returning a verdict on Friday, June 30.

The incidents occurred at the Hawai‘i Youth Challenge Academy in April 2018 where Banashihan was employed as a cadre.

On Monday, the Court granted Prosecutors’ request that Banashihan be taken into custody and held without bail pending determination of an extended term hearing. Prosecutors previously provided notice of an intention to seek an extended term. His next court hearing is scheduled on July 13.

As the Indictment alleged, Banashihan was originally charged with five counts of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree, five counts of Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree, and a single count of Attempted Sexual Assault in the Second Degree.

The jury found Banashihan guilty of  three counts of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree, two counts of Attempted Sexual Assault in the Second Degree, and four counts of Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree. Sexual Assault in the Second Degree and Attempted Sexual Assault in the Second Degree carry a penalty of either a ten-year prison sentence or five years probation and up to eighteen months in jail. Sexual Assault in the Fourth Degree is a misdemeanor offense and carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail.

The investigation was led by Lieutenant Fetuutuunai Amituanai, South Hilo Patrol, formerly a Detective with the Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Ha‘aheo Kaho‘ohalahala and Kirsten Selvig.

 

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney