A Hilo man, 33 year-old Jacob M.K. Kahai, was charged with sexual assault and interference with reporting an emergency or crime. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on January 7, 2023 at a Hilo apartment.

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that as the Complaint alleges, Kahai was charged with Sexual Assault in the First Degree and Interference with Reporting an Emergency or Crime. Sexual Assault in the First Degree is a class A felony offense and carries a penalty of a twenty-year prison term.

Kahai is scheduled to make his initial appearance on Tuesday afternoon in Hilo District Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $51,000.00 bail.

The investigation was initiated by Officer Manuel Soares IV, South Hilo Patrol, and the felony investigation was led by Detective Richard Itliong, Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ha‘aheo Kaho‘ohalahala.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please go to a safe place, and call a trusted friend or relative for support. You can call 911 to report the sexual assault to the police. The YWCA Hawai‘i Island 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline has advocates available 7 days a week to provide support and advocacy. They can be reached at (808) 935-0677.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.