A Hilo man, 69 year-old Jay Hoapili Kailimai, was arrested and charged with the attempted distribution of over 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine and over 0.5 pounds of cocaine and felon in possession of a firearm offenses. The reports allege that on December 7, 2022 officers with the Area I Vice Section executed a residential narcotics’ search warrant upon a Hoaloha Street residence in Hilo and recovered nearly 700 grams of methamphetamine, nearly 300 grams of cocaine, a Colt Diamondback revolver, and $6,800.00 in U.S. currency.

Kailimai is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Friday afternoon. He remains in custody in lieu of $425,000.00 bail.

Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that as the Complaint alleges, Kailimai, who has a prior federal felony conviction, was charged with ten offenses, including two counts of Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (possess over one ounce of methamphetamine), two counts of Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (engaged in conduct which constituted a substantial step to knowingly distribute over one-eighth ounce or more of methamphetamine), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (possess over one ounce of cocaine), two counts of Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (engaged in conduct which constituted a substantial step to knowingly distribute over one-eighth ounce or more of cocaine), Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree (possess over one-eighth ounce or more of cocaine), Ownership or Possession of Firearm Prohibited, and Ownership or Possession of Ammunition Prohibited.

The most serious offenses, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree and Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree, are class A felony offenses which carry a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison. Prosecutors have provided notice of an intention to seek an extended term of prison which would subject Kailimai to a possibility of an indeterminate life term of imprisonment.

The investigation was conducted by members of the Area I Vice Section, Hawai‘i Police Department, in collaboration with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner.

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

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) 961-2258 or in West Hawai‘i at (808) 326-4646 Ext. 226, or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.