PHOTO: Man Arrested After Attempted Sex Assault at Hilo School

By Wendy Osher

Samson Perez, also known as Samson Kahumoku was arrested in Hilo in connection with an alleged attempted sex assault of a child. Police photo.

Hawaii Island police have arrested a 35-year-old Pāhoa man in connection with the attempted kidnapping and attempted sexual assault of a female child in a restroom at a Hilo public school this morning (September 20).

Samson Perez, also known as Samson Kahumoku, was located on Aupuni Street in Hilo at 9:50 a.m. and taken into custody without incident.

He was arrested on suspicion of fourth-degree sexual assault, attempted kidnapping and attempted first-degree sexual assault.

He is being held at the Hilo police cellblock while detectives continue the investigation.

When the incident was reported at around 6:30 a.m., police quickly sought the public’s help, releasing a description of the man and details of the dark red nylon track suit he was wearing.

The incident occurred near Kapiolani Street, but authorities have not said which school property was involved.