Maui police captain resigns amid sex assault charge

WAILUKU, MAUI (HawaiiNewsNow) - A Maui police captain accused of sexual assault resigned last week, Hawaii News Now has learned.

The Maui Police Department confirmed on Tuesday that Capt. Stephen Orikasa turned in his gun and badge on Friday after 27 years of service with the department.

The high-ranking officer is accused of groping a female sergeant at the police station in August of 2017. In September, Orikasa was charged with sexual assault in the fourth degree, which is a misdemeanor.

Orikasa began his career as a Maui County police officer in 1991. He was promoted to captain in 2014 and later became the head of the department's Criminal Investigation Division, the unit in charge of all criminal investigations – including sex assaults.

He supervised 45 people in the post. The alleged victim was one of the people he supervised in the unit.

While the investigation was taking place, law enforcement sources say, Orikasa was temporarily transferred away from CID to a newly created position, even though he continued to hold the rank of captain.

Orikasa has pleaded not guilty to the charge, but attorneys have filed for a change of plea that's currently scheduled for July 25th.

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