Hilo Man to be Sentenced For Repeated Sexual Assault of a Minor

Clifton John Kua, 45 years old, of Hilo, will appear for sentencing in December for charges related to sexually assaulting a minor. Hawai´i County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen made the announcement Monday, Oct. 4, 2021.

Last week, Kua entered guilty pleas to the charges of Continuous Sexual Assault of a Minor Under the Age of Fourteen Years and Sexual Assault in the First Degree. During the change of plea hearing, Kua agreed that between 2011 and 2017, he knowingly subjected a minor, who at the time was under the age of 14, to more than three separate acts of sexual penetration or contacts in a continuing course of conduct while they were living in the same home.

Kua also agreed that in October of 2017, he knowingly subjected the same minor, who was 14 years old at the time, to sexual penetration. Both Continuous Sexual Assault and Sexual Assault in the First Degree are class A felonies, which carry a maximum penalty 20 years in prison.

Kua remains in custody in lieu of $150,000 bail pending his sentencing hearing.

The lead investigator for the case was Detective Gavin Kagimoto, Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sylvia Wan.

“Protecting our keiki from sexual predators is a top priority of our Office,” Waltjen said. “This prosecution reflects the commitment of our Office and the Hawai’i Police Department to hold offenders accountable for their actions and seek justice for these egregious offenses.”

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, call 911 to report the incident to the police. The YWCA Hawai’i Island 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline has advocates available 24/7 to provide support and advocacy. They can be reached at (808) 935-0677.

Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 in East Hawai‘i or (808) 329-8181 in West Hawai‘i.