Investigation continues in sexual assault case

KAILUA-KONA — An investigation continues in connection with two juveniles accused of sexual assault as police await the return of evidence from the state crime lab.

The case involves a woman who was punched and sexually assaulted by two males, ages 15 and 17, on Sept. 3 at Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

The violent nature of the attack, in addition to police releasing one of the suspects after he was taken into custody, prompted concerned residents to protest.

But prosecutors want the results of the evidence kit before deciding whether to press charges, said Capt. Chad Basque, who leads the department’s Area II Criminal Investigations Section, on Tuesday.

The assault was broken up by a parkgoer.

“They fled the area when a good Samaritan confronted them,” a police press release said at the time.

The younger of the two suspects was arrested Sept. 4 and later released to his parents. School officials said they can’t comment about whether the boy returned to school.

Police identified the other suspect, but he has not been arrested.

As the investigation continued, community frustration rose to the point that about a dozen people protested in early October. Protesters said they were challenging not only what they considered an unacceptably slow response to the crime, but a larger feeling of being unsafe in their community.

Some described the victim as “a very talented musician” and well-regarded in the community.

Basque said the evidence prosecutors are waiting for would include images of any injuries the woman suffered as well as DNA results.

Basque said he expects the case will be sent to a grand jury. That could further delay an arrest, as prosecutors would need to await the next grand jury or call an earlier date.

Email Graham Milldrum at gmilldrum@westhawaiitoday.com.