Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo man, 28-year-old Dustin K.B. Balai has been indicted by a Hilo grand jury in relation to a July 14, 2021 incident involving a minor.
As the Indictment alleges, Balai is charged with three (3) counts of Sexual Assault in the First Degree and a single count of Sexual Assault in the Third Degree. Sexual Assault in the First Degree is a class A felony offense and carries a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years in prison.
Balai is scheduled to make his initial appearance on Tuesday afternoon in Hilo Circuit Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $160,000.00 bail.
The case was initiated by Officer Joshua Rodby-Thomas, South Hilo Patrol, and the felony investigation was handled by Detective Patrick Aurello, Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Heipua Ah Loy.
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 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support and advocacy. They can be reached at (808) 935-0677.