33 year-old Jacob M.K. Kahai of Hilo was charged with sexual assault and interference with reporting an emergency or crime.

The charges stem from a January 7, 2023 incident that occurred at a Hilo apartment.

Sexual Assault in the First Degree is a class A felony offense and carries a penalty of twenty years in prison.

Kahai is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Hilo District Court today. 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.

 

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney