Source: ‘No coach should be alone with a minor athlete’

News admin October 21, 2026 0 Comments

Source: ‘No coach should be alone with a minor athlete’

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Former Moanalua High School head wrestling coach Sean Sakaida, 44, appeared in federal court Monday and pleaded not guilty to multiple federal charges, including child pornography and child sex trafficking.

Federal indictment details WhatsApp messages, videos

The indictment alleges Sakaida communicated with a minor victim using WhatsApp between 2025 and 2026, sending multiple videos of him engaging in sexual acts with the teen.

Sakaida was also charged with enticing a second minor victim to engage in a commercial sex act.

Source: Relationship raised red flags, other coaches knew about it

A source with knowledge of the Moanalua High School wrestling team, who asked not to be identified, told Hawaii News Now the relationship between Sakaida and a teen athlete raised red flags, and that he allegedly gave her rides.

“It was well-known among the coaches and athletes that he was spending time alone with her, taking her home after practices and after tournaments,” the source said.

“No coach should be alone with a minor athlete.”

The source did not know if administration knew about the alleged behavior, but said, “Silence is compliance. Those who work with keiki should be holding each other accountable, not turning a blind eye.”

Advocates warn against one-on-one contact

Andrew Aguirre of the nonprofit Hoʻōla Nā Pua, which works to prevent child sex trafficking and exploitation, said adults should avoid being alone with youth.

“The first rule is never put yourself in a situation where you’re one-on-one alone with a child, a youth, or a teenager,” Aguirre said. “It’s protection for the youth, but also for the adult themself.”

Attorney points to power dynamic, prior case

“It’s a huge red flag if you’ve got a coach taking a student home,” said Crystal Glendon. “I think that’s a policy that’s pretty widespread throughout all schools, public or private.”

Glendon was a plaintiff attorney in the Dwayne Yuen case — a basketball coach sentenced to more than 33 years in prison for child exploitation and harassment of 10 victims.

“It really is on the community as a whole to speak up and to say something when you see an inappropriate contact happening like this, especially in the dynamic of a coach in a powerful position and a student,” Glendon said.

20-year protection order granted

On Tuesday, a Family Court judge granted a 20-year protection order against Sakaida requested by his ex-girlfriend and their children.

HNN asked the state Department of Education (DOE) if any current coaches or administrators are under review because of this case and is awaiting a response.