Papaikou man accused of sexually abusing minor

A 38-year-old man from Papaikou is facing several charges for allegedly sexually assaulting an underage girl that began more than a decade ago.

On August 28, a grand jury in Hilo returned an indictment on 10 counts, accusing Jeremy Kaaukai of continuous sexual assault of a minor under the age of 14, four counts of first-degree sexual assault, and five counts of third-degree sexual assault.

The indictment states that the alleged crimes occurred between July 20, 2012, and September 1, 2016.

The victim, born in 2005 and coming of age in 2023, is identified in the complaint only by her initials. The Tribune-Herald’s policy, however, is not to identify victims of sexual abuse unless they choose to do so publicly.

The document alleges sexual contact and sexual penetration between Kaaukai and the girl, who was not yet old enough to give legal consent.

In an arrest warrant issued with the indictment, Kaaukai’s bail was set at $250,000 and he was ordered to remain at least 100 yards away from the victim, her family, and their home and workplace.

According to a police log, Kaaukai was arrested late Saturday morning. It was unclear Tuesday afternoon whether he was still in custody or had posted bail.

First-degree sexual assault and continued sexual assault of a minor are both Class A felonies that carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted. Third-degree sexual assault is a Class C felony that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Kaaukai, who has no criminal record, has a hearing scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Sept. 10, presided over by Hilo County Judge Henry Nakamoto.

Send an email to John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.