Attorney for Moanalua High victim says school and DOE failed to protect student athletes

Oct 02, 2026

A family is moving to sue a Hawaii high school and the state education department over a wrestling coach now charged with child porn possession, a damaging turn for the school and the DOE.

  • Former Moanalua wrestling coach Sean Sakaida was arrested last week and charged with possession of child porn.
  • Federal prosecutors say five more people have come forward with allegations, and they are urging anyone else to call the FBI.
  • The first victim's family, represented by Sean Fitzsimmons and Myles Breiner, is preparing a civil case against the school and the DOE for ignoring warning signs.
  • Sakaida was investigated in 2012 over his conduct at Roosevelt High School, denied wrongdoing, and Moanalua hired him the next year.
  • The school also hired Dwayne Yuen as an assistant basketball coach in 2011 despite restraining orders and misconduct claims at Punahou; he is now serving 33 years in federal prison for child exploitation.

Outlook: Sakaida's preliminary hearing is set for October 13, and more claimants could push the case and the lawsuit wider.

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