Patrol officers responded to a report of a domestic dispute at a residence on Ohai Street in Hilo on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at 6:42 p.m. A 24-year-old woman reported that her boyfriend, 28-year-old David Scott Paulino, had grabbed her by the throat and strangled her during an argument and that he also struck her torso with a closed fist. A minor child under the age of 14 was present while this took place.
Paulino was arrested without incident and held at the police cellblock while detectives from the Area I Juvenile Aid Section continued their investigation. After conferring with prosecutors, detectives charged Paulino with two counts of felony abuse of family or household member on Monday, February 22. His bail was set at $20,000.
Paulino remains in police custody until his preliminary hearing, which is scheduled for Tuesday, February 23, 2021.