Hilo Man Indicted in Child Sexual Assault Case

A Hilo man has been indicted on several charges in connection with a child sexual assault case from last year.

Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced Tuesday, June 28, that 28-year-old Dustin K.B. Balai was indicted by a Hilo grand jury in relation to a July 14, 2021, incident involving a minor.

Balai was indicted on three counts of first-degree sexual assault a single count of third-degree sexual assault. First-degree sexual assault is a Class A felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Balai is scheduled to make his initial court appearance Tuesday afternoon in Hilo Circuit Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $160,000 bail.

The case was initiated by Officer Joshua Rodby-Thomas with the Hawai‘i Police Department South Hilo Patrol. The felony investigation was handled by Detective Patrick Aurello with HPD’s Area I Juvenile Aid Section. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy County Prosecuting Attorney Heipua Ah Loy.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, go to a safe place and call a trusted friend or relative for support. Call 911 to report the sexual assault to the police.

The YWCA Hawai‘i Island 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline also has advocates available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide support and advocacy. The hotline can be reached at 808-935-0677.