A Waipahu man is behind bars on $300,000 bail after prosecutors say he sexually assaulted and physically abused a woman in the early morning hours on Wednesday. Court filings identify the suspect as 37-year-old Saimone L. Mafi Jr. Prosecutors say the alleged victim is a 40-year-old woman.
Charges and Arrest
Mafi is charged with first-degree sexual assault and abuse of a family member, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. The criminal complaint alleges the attack happened at about 3 a.m. Wednesday and states that Mafi "impeded her breathing by blocking her nose and mouth," the paper reports.
Police arrested Mafi later that day in the Waipio Point Access Road and Cane Haul Road area, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports, and he was booked on the charges.
What the Law Says
Under the Hawaii Revised Statutes, sexual assault in the first degree is classified as one of the state’s most serious felonies. Abuse of a family or household member is set out separately in the Hawaii Revised Statutes governing that offense, which authorize arrest when officers have reasonable grounds to believe physical abuse occurred. These statutes frame how charges are filed in cases like this.
Possible Penalties and ‘Multiple Offender’ Note
The complaint also identifies Mafi as a "multiple offender," language that can factor into requests for longer, extended terms at sentencing. Criteria for extended-term sentencing are outlined in Justia’s publication of the state law.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports the multiple-offender allegation, which, if proven and if Mafi is convicted, could expose him to higher maximum terms under state law.
Resources for Survivors
Anyone affected by sexual assault can contact local crisis services for medical care, evidence collection and counseling. The Sex Abuse Treatment Center’s 24-hour hotline is (808) 524-7273. The Sex Abuse Treatment Center at Kapi'olani Medical Center provides crisis counseling, medical-forensic exams and long-term therapy, according to SATC.
If there is an immediate danger, call 911. Tips for this investigation can be reported to the Honolulu Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 529-3111 or via the Honolulu Police Department.
