33-year-old charged with first degree sexual assault for incident at Hilo apartment

Jacob M.K. Kahai, 33 of Hilo, was charged with sexual assault and interference with reporting an emergency or crime, according to Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen.

The  charges stem from an incident that occurred on Jan. 7, 2023 at a Hilo apartment.  

Kahai was charged with first degree sexual assault, a felony offense that carries a penalty of a 20-year prison term.  

Kahai is scheduled to make his initial appearance on Tuesday afternoon in Hilo District  Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $51,000 bail.  

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 7 days a  week to provide support and advocacy. They can be reached at 808-935-0677.