56 year-old Pio Kapeli of Puna was arrested and charged with attempted distribution of methamphetamine and promoting a controlled substance in a public park.

Police reports allege that Kapeli was contacted while seated on the stage area of the Mo‘oheau Bandstand in Hilo on January 31, 2024. Following the execution of a narcotics search warrant, Vice officers recovered over four ounces of methamphetamine within a backpack which was observed to be between Kapeli’s legs.

As the Complaint alleges, Kapeli was charged with Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (possess over an ounce of methamphetamine), Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (attempt to distribute one-eighth ounce or more of methamphetamine), Promoting a Controlled Substance In, On or Near Schools, Public Parks, or Public Housing Projects or Complexes, and Promoting a Detrimental Drug in the Third Degree. Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree and Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree are both class A felony offenses punishable by a maximum penalty of a twenty-year prison term. Promoting a Controlled Substnace in a Public Park is a class C felony offense punishable by a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

If convicted, Kapeli faces sentencing to a mandatory prison term and will not be eligible for probation. In addition, Prosecutors have provided a notice that Kapeli is subject to an extended term of imprisonment.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The investigation was conducted by the Hawaiʻi County Police Department’s Area I Vice Section, while the case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Patrick Muñoz.

 

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney