Puna Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Assault of Minor

Bryan Flores received maximum penalty for sexual assault of a minor he coached in muay thai

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, the metal reflecting the harsh light of a direct camera flash, conceptually representing the consequences of a coach's betrayal of trust.The harsh, unforgiving light of justice falls on a symbol of the abuse of power and trust.Hilo Today

Bryan Flores, a Puna resident, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the sexual assault of a minor who was his muay thai student between 2019 and 2022. Flores pleaded guilty to the charge of Sexual Assault in the First Degree and was immediately taken into custody to begin serving his prison term.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences for those who abuse positions of trust and authority over minors. As a muay thai coach, Flores violated the trust placed in him by the victim's family, underscoring the need for rigorous background checks and oversight of youth sports programs.

The details

On October 1, 2025, Flores appeared in Hilo Circuit Court where he entered a guilty plea to the charge of Sexual Assault in the First Degree, a class A felony with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. On Thursday, Flores was sentenced to the maximum 20-year prison term and ordered to register as a sex offender.

  • The incidents occurred between 2019 and 2022.
  • Flores entered his guilty plea on October 1, 2025.
  • Flores was sentenced on Thursday.

The players

Bryan Flores

A Puna resident who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the sexual assault of a minor he coached in muay thai.

Ha'aheo Kaho'ohalahala

The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney who prosecuted the case against Flores.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This case highlights the serious consequences for those who abuse positions of trust and authority over minors.”

— Ha'aheo Kaho'ohalahala, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

What’s next

Flores will begin serving his 20-year prison sentence immediately.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for robust background checks, oversight, and accountability measures in youth sports programs to protect vulnerable minors from predatory adults in positions of authority.