Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Kamuela man, 33 year-old Kau Paio a.k.a. Kau Pacheco, has pleaded “No Contest” to two charges of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree in relation to two separate incidents, one of which occurred on January 1, 2023 and the second which occurred between August 1 and August 12, 2022 in South Kohala.

On September 26, 2023, Paio appeared in Kona Circuit Court where he entered “Guilty” pleas to two charges of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree (knowingly subjected another a person, a minor, to an act of sexual penetration, fellatio and vaginal intercourse, by compulsion). Paio was ordered to appear on December 1, 2023 for sentencing. Paio remains in custody having previously been denied bail.

Sexual Assault in the Second Degree carries a penalty of either a ten-year prison term or five years probation and up to eighteen months in jail.

The case was initiated by South Kohala Patrol and the felony investigation was handled by Detective Scott Dewey, Area II Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kate Perazich.

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.