35-year-old Karl Edward Stasik of Hilo was arrested and charged with various drug-related offenses. On February 15, Area I Vice Section officers, along with State Narcotics Enforcement agents, served a search warrant at a retail smoke shop in downtown Hilo. As a result of the warrant, Stasik, the store’s part owner / manager was arrested. The search warrant and arrest were the result of an anonymous tip to police which sparked a months long investigation into the smoke shop and resulted in multiple controlled purchases of illegal marijuana products from the business. Upon serving the warrant at the store, officers recovered 362 grams of dried processed marijuana, 1,109 grams of marijuana concentrate, and a small amount of cocaine. After conferral with the County Prosecutor’s Office, Stasik was charged with the following offenses:
- Four counts of first-degree promotion of a harmful drug
- Two counts of second-degree promotion of a harmful drug
- Five counts of first-degree promotion of a detrimental drug
- Second-degree promotion of a detrimental drug
- Four counts of promoting a controlled substance on or near a public park
- Third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug
Stasik’s bail was set at $271,000, and he made his initial court appearance Tuesday afternoon, February 20, in Hilo District Court. Police ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact Officer Scotty Aloy of the Area I Vice Section at (808) 961-2207, or via email at scotty.aloy@hawaiicounty.gov.
HPD Photo