A Hilo grand jury indicted 28 year-old Dustin K.B. Balai of Hilo in relation to a July 14, 2021 incident involving a minor.

As the Indictment alleges, Balai is charged with 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 20 years in prison.

The case was initiated by South Hilo Patrol Officer Joshua Rodby-Thomas, South while the felony investigation was handled by Detective Patrick Aurello, Area I Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai‘i Police Department.  Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Heipua Ah Loy is prosecuting the case.

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

HPD Photo