Hilo judge increases bail on man accused of sexually assaulting a disabled woman

In Hilo District Court, a woman in her 60s with no legs testified Thursday during a preliminary hearing in the sexual assault case against 40-year-old Adonis Higa, saying: “I’ve never had anything like this happen to me before.”

The second-degree sexual assault charge against Higa stems from an incident that occurred at a Puna residence on Nov. 6 at nearly 8 p.m.

According to court documents, the woman told police she was in her bedroom and was awakened by footsteps entering her room. The suspect, identified as Higa, walked into her room, exposed himself, and then sexually assaulted her before she was able to push him away.

During the preliminary hearing, the victim stated that the ordeal lasted less than a minute and told Judge Kanani Laubach: “I don’t want to press any charges.”

Laubach responded: “It’s not up to you now. It’s up to the state.”

Following testimony from the victim and Hawai‘i Island police, and video showing Higa entering her room, Laubach determined there was enough probable cause to move the case forward to 3rd Circuit Court.

Laubach also granted the state’s request to increase Higa’s bail from $50,000 to $100,000.

Home video surveillance provided to police showed Higa entered the bedroom and heard the victim say: “No. Stop. What are you doing?”

A Hawai‘i Island police officer testified she responded to the residence where she encountered a woman who appeared emotional.

The officer also viewed the home surveillance footage that showed the suspect walk into the bedroom of the reported victim.

At the time of his arrest, court documents indicate Higa made a statement admitting being in the victim’s room, but denying the criminal allegations.