Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo man, 58 year-old Robert Alan Akito Kinoshita, was arrested and charged with attempted distribution and possession of methamphetamine. The police reports allege that Kinoshita was observed to be seated within the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle parked within the parking lot at the Wailoa State Park in Hilo. Following the execution of a narcotics search warrant, Vice officers later recovered over 2 pounds of methamphetamine and $6,607.00 in U.S. currency from within the motor vehicle.
Kinoshita is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Friday afternoon. He remains in custody in lieu of $300,000.00 bail.
As the Complaint alleges, Kinoshita was charged with two counts of Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (possess over an ounce of methamphetamine) and two counts of Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (attempt to distribute one-eighth ounce or more of methamphetamine).
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. If convicted as charged, Kinoshita faces sentencing to a mandatory prison term and will not be eligible for probation. Additionally, Prosecutors have provided a notice that Kinoshita is subject to an extended term of imprisonment.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The investigation was conducted by the Area I Vice Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner.
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information concerning illegal narcotics distribution should call the Hawai‘i Police Department Vice Section in East Hawai‘i at (808) 934-8423, West Hawai‘i at (808) 329-0423, or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.