Charge of sexual assault ensues from foot massage
A Kapiolani Community College student was arrested Monday after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her on campus grounds.
The 21-year-old man was charged with fourth-degree sexual assault, a misdemeanor, and released on $100 bail.
Brian Furuto, KCC vice chancellor of administrative services, said the report was received Monday and that within hours police arrested the man on campus. He said a campuswide alert was not issued because security was able to locate the man quickly.
Sources said the woman was lying in a grassy area Wednesday when the man, a culinary student, began massaging her feet, claiming it was part of a class project. The man then put his face on the woman’s feet and allegedly rubbed her feet on his crotch. The woman then got up and ran away.
Judge candidate garners support during hearing
KAILUA-KONA » Public officials defended a Hawaii County lawyer after the Hawaii State Bar Association deemed her unqualified to be a district judge.
West Hawaii Today reported Tuesday that the Bar Association questioned deputy corporation counsel Margaret Masunaga’s legal knowledge, professional experience and ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
There was a lot of testimony in support of Masunaga at Monday’s confirmation hearing. Support came from U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, retired District Judge Joseph Florendo, Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi and about 40 more people.
Masunaga applied for a judgeship six times since 1994, she told the panel. She said the District Court is the people’s court. "I want to be the face of the Judiciary," Masunaga said. "I want to be an active listener when people come to court."
Bar Association President Calvin Young said that to ensure people will come forward with honest evaluations, he couldn’t divulge all of the details of the board vote. "It basically boiled down to areas of expertise and ability to handle the District Court calendar," Young told the committee, adding that the court has a busy caseload.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Clayton Hee (D, Heeia-Laie-Waialua) questioned why the Bar Association was so critical of Masunaga but supportive of the two prior nominees who came before the committee. "Are you using a different standard on the candidates?" Hee asked. "I’m flummoxed by the casualness of what appears to be the process."
The committee plans to make a decision Wednesday, and then the full Senate would vote on judicial confirmations Thursday.
