Posted on: Wednesday, April 17, 2002

Teacher on Kaua'i investigated in sex abuse

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua'i Bureau

LIHU'E, Kaua'i — An elementary school teacher has been placed on paid leave following an investigation into sexual assault allegations involving students.

The teacher was arrested Thursday by Kaua'i police on suspicion of two counts of third-degree sexual assault. He was released and has not been charged.

He was placed on "department-directed leave" following an investigation at the school, said Daniel Hamada, superintendent of schools for the Kaua'i district. That means the teacher is being paid and is not required to be at the school.

"We're here for the kids and are taking things seriously," Hamada said.

He said the allegations are that the incidents being investigated took place during this school year. He would not release details.

Education officials reported the case to police. The case had not yet been to the county prosecuting attorney's office, said Deputy Prosecutor Craig DeCosta.

Hamada said the teacher underwent a standard background check before being hired by the Department of Education, including an FBI fingerprint check.

Calls to the teacher's home were referred to his attorney, who was out of town.