Big Island man accused of sexually assaulting 10-year-old girl

A man from Mountain View was indicted this week on a myriad of sexual assault offenses involving a 10-year-old girl.

Kaulana Awa‘a Sr. was initially charged in District Court on Monday on charges of first-degree sexual assault, first-degree continuous sexual of a minor under the age of 14, and abuse of a household member. On Wednesday, a Hilo Grand Jury indicted him on the same felony offenses.

Awa‘a, 33, was taken into custody on Sunday at his home in Mountain View. He was advised of his rights and chose not to make any statements without a lawyer present.

According to court documents, Awa‘a, who was in a position of trust over the child, abused the reported victim several times between June 2020 and May 2025.

During the course of the alleged abuse, court documents indicate the child told investigators there were times Awa‘a would pinch her arm to the point that she would get a cut if she didn’t perform sexual acts with him.

The girl told investigators there were times she would be crying but no one could hear her because Awa‘a duct taped a pillow to her face. He also threatened to kill her when she turned 12 years old if she told anyone about the assaults, court documents stated.

The indictment bail was set at $750,000 on Thursday. Awa‘a remains in custody at Hawai‘i Community Correctional Center.