26 year-old Elijah Mahaulu of Hilo was sentenced to 10 years in prison for charges related to possession and the attempted distribution of methamphetamine and a firearms offense. The charges stem from a November 10, 2020 incident on Awa Street in Panaewa.

On March 14, 2022, Mahaulu entered “Guilty” pleas to the charges of Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree, Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree, and Permits to Acquire. Both Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree and Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree are class B felonies, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Mahaulu, who was out of custody after posting $172,000.00 bail in November 2020, was immediately ordered into custody to serve his sentence.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner argued that “Mahaulu was a full-fledged drug dealer with no regard for the law or his children.”

In a press release Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen said, “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message to those who distribute dangerous narcotics, including methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, and poison our community, that no matter if you have a limited criminal history, you will still be held accountable for your actions.  It’s time that law enforcement, prosecutors, and our community unite to work together to take back Hawai‘i Island and make it a safer and better place to live.”

The investigation was conducted by members of the Area I VICE Section, Hawai‘i Police Department.

HPD Photo