Puna man sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexual assault of minor

A 45-year-old Puna man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the sexual assault of a minor.

Hawai’i County prosecuting attorney’s office reports that Bryan Flores appeared Thursday morning, April 2, in Hilo Circuit Court for his sentencing hearing.

After hearing arguments, the court sentenced Flores to the maximum penalty and ordered him to register as a sex offender. Flores, who remained out of custody on a $370,000 bond for a majority of proceedings in the case, was taken into custody to begin serving his prison term immediately following the sentencing hearing.

The case stems from incidents that occurred between 2019 and 2022. Flores was the minor’s muay thai coach during that time period.

Flores appeared Oct. 1, 2025, in Hilo Circuit where he pleaded guilty to first-degree sexual assault, a Class A felony that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The case was initiated by Hawai‘i Police Department Puna Patrol Officer Onan Masaoka and the felony investigation was led by Area I Juvenile Aid Section Detective Gavin Kagimoto.

Hawai‘i County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ha‘aheo Kaho‘ohalahala prosecuted the case.

If you or someone you know experienced sexual assault, go to a safe place and call a trusted friend or relative for support.

You can call 9-1-1 to report the sexual assault to the police.

YWCA Hawai‘i Island’s 24-hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline also has advocates available 7 days a week to provide support and advocacy. They can be reached at (808) 9350677.