Hilo man sentenced to 10 years for sex assault
A 24-year-old Hilo man was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison for the sexual assault of a juvenile girl.
Hilo Circuit Judge Peter Kubota imposed the sentence on Temaura‘i Border. Border pleaded no contest on Feb. 24 to four counts of second-degree sexual assault and one count each of third-degree sexual assault and attempted second-degree sexual assault.
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Both second-degree sexual assault and attempted second-degree sexual assault are Class B felonies with a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment. Third-degree sexual assault is a Class C felony with a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
In exchange for Border’s pleas, prosecutors reduced three counts of first-degree sexual assault and single counts of first-degree sexual assault of a minor between the ages of 14 and 16 and attempted first-degree sexual assault of a minor between the ages of 14 and 16. All five of those charges, prior to the reduction via plea deal, were Class A felonies that carried a maximum sentence of 20 years behind bars.
According to court documents, all the offenses occurred between May and August 2021 and the victim was 13 when Border started assaulting her. The girl and her family are acquainted with Border.
“It is my hope that today’s sentencing sends a powerful message to those who betray family trust and prey upon the vulnerable, that they too will be held accountable for their actions,” County Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen said in a statement Friday. “Our office will continue to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of crimes that threaten the safety of our keiki.”
The Tribune-Herald doesn’t identify victims of sexual assault, unless they choose to go public, nor does it identify juvenile victims.
Waltjen advised those who have experienced sexual assault or know someone who has to go to a safe place and call a trusted friend or relative for support. Sexual assault can be reported to the police at 911. And the YWCA Hawaii Island 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline has trained advocates 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (808) 935-0677.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
