Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 22 year-old Daryl C. Sampaga, Jr. of Hilo was arrested and charged following reports of a terroristic threatening incident involving a firearm that occurred on June 1, 2024 outside of a residence located on Ho‘omalu Street in Hilo. According to police reports, following the execution of search warrants, police recovered over 420 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a semi-automatic Ruger LCP .380 caliber pistol.
Sampaga made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Monday afternoon. His bail was maintained at $390,000.00 and he was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on June 5, 2024.
As the Complaint alleges, Sampaga is charged with Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree (firearm or simulated firearm), Ownership or Possession Firearm Prohibited, Ownership or Possession Ammunition Prohibited, Place to Keep Pistol or Revolver, Alteration of Identification Marks Prohibited,
Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree, and Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree.
The most serious offenses, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree and Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree, are both class A felony offenses which carry a penalty of either a twenty-year prison term or ten years probation and up 24 months in jail. Prosecutors have provided notice that if convicted as a charged, Sampaga faces sentencing to a mandatory prison term and will not be eligible for probation.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The terroristic threatening case was initiated by South Hilo Patrol and felony investigation was led by Detective Clarence Acob, Area I Juvenile Aid Section. The felony drug investigation was handled by Detective Scotty Aloy, 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 to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers
at (808) 961-8300.