Man charged with stealing school’s Project Grad funds

A 45-year-old man has been charged with second-degree theft for allegedly taking money from a private high school’s Project Graduation event.

City prosecutors allege Eislee Nakamasu obtained control over funds of the “Saint Francis School Project Grad 2015” from June 2013 to September 2014 “by deception (and) with intent to deprive” the project.

In general, Project Graduation is an activity organized by the community and parents of high school students to provide adult-supervised and alcohol-free activities as part of graduation celebrations for seniors.

It’s not clear how much money was involved, but Nakamasu is charged with the section of law involving theft of property or services valued at more than $300 but less than $20,000. If convicted, the charge — a Class C felony — carries maximum penalties of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Nakamasu did not provide a local address when booked on the charge Tuesday. He was released after posting bail and is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Circuit Court.

Sister Joan of Arc Souza, head of school for Saint Francis, said in a statement to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, “Project Grad 2015 was entirely the responsibility of a group of parents. St. Francis School did not handle any funds for Project Grad.”