A former Bank of Hawaii teller, 24-year-old Alohi K. Kaupu-Grace, pleaded not guilty Friday to multiple charges of theft and computer fraud. She is accused of embezzling more than $44,000 from bank customers, including two elderly account holders.
Hilo Circuit Judge Henry Nakamoto scheduled Kaupu-Grace’s trial for 8:30 a.m. on April 21, 2026, before Third Circuit Chief Judge Wendy DeWeese in Kona.
Kaupu-Grace, who provided a Pahala address at the time of her arrest Thursday, faces three counts each of first-degree computer fraud and first-degree theft, along with two counts each of second-degree computer fraud and second-degree theft. Prosecutors allege she used Bank of Hawaii computers to embezzle funds and falsify transaction records.
Deputy Public Defender Belinda Castillo-Hughes, appearing on a special basis due to a conflict of interest, requested Kaupu-Grace be released on supervised release, a cashless form of bail. Deputy Attorney General David Van Acker opposed the motion, asking that bail remain in place.
Judge Nakamoto maintained Kaupu-Grace’s bail at $25,000 without prejudice, allowing her legal team to refile motions for a reduction or supervised release. He also ordered her to appear before Judge DeWeese on Thursday to determine the status of her legal representation.
Under Hawaii law, first-degree computer fraud is a Class A felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. First-degree theft and second-degree computer fraud are Class B felonies, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Second-degree theft is a Class C felony, with a maximum of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The alleged offenses took place between February 8 and March 14, 2024, according to a Hawaii Island grand jury indictment returned on December 1.
Attorney General Anne Lopez said in a statement, “As alleged, Kaupu-Grace stole money from residents who were simply trying to conduct financial transactions at their bank. This indictment reflects the department’s continued commitment to protecting Hawaii residents and maintaining the integrity of our financial institutions.”
A U.S. Federal Reserve Board order issued June 12 bars Kaupu-Grace from working at any bank or financial institution with federally insured deposits until further notice. According to the order, she embezzled $44,000 and falsified customers’ signatures on cash withdrawal slips and cashier’s check purchase documents.
Bank of Hawaii terminated Kaupu-Grace on March 21, 2024. At the time of the federal prohibition, she had reportedly made $5,200 in partial restitution to the bank.
Kaupu-Grace is also facing two additional felony cases involving credit card theft, identity theft, and possession of confidential personal information. Both cases are scheduled for “further proceedings” before Hilo Circuit Judge Peter Kubota.
In one case, police said a victim received a text alerting them of a fraudulent charge exceeding $750. Investigators determined Kaupu-Grace was responsible and had obtained the victim’s personal information while employed at Bank of Hawaii.
The ongoing legal proceedings mark Kaupu-Grace’s second and third pending trials for theft-related offenses, highlighting serious allegations of financial crimes committed during her employment.
