Hilo, Hawaiʻi – A Hilo man, 37-year-old Aysa Kalei Delos Santos, has been sentenced to a ten-year prison term for the possession and attempted distribution of methamphetamine, as well as driving under the influence. Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced the sentencing today.
The charges originate from an incident on September 17, 2023. Officers contacted Delos Santos near Ice Ponds on Kalanianaole Street in Hilo following a report of a reckless driver. Subsequently, a narcotics search warrant was executed on Delos Santos’ vehicle. During the search, VICE East officers recovered a significant amount of evidence, including over half a pound of methamphetamine, syringes, over fifty zip packets, a digital scale, and $4,439.00 in U.S. currency. These items are commonly associated with drug distribution.
Delos Santos appeared in Hilo Circuit Court for his sentencing hearing on Thursday, July 17, 2025. After hearing arguments from the parties, the Court sentenced him to a ten-year prison term for both Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree and Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree. He also received a thirty-day jail term for Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant. The Court ordered that all sentences be served concurrently.
Previously, on May 15, 2025, Delos Santos had entered “No Contest” pleas in Hilo Circuit Court to the charges of Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree, Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree, and Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant.
Both Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree and Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree are classified as Class B felonies, each carrying a maximum penalty of a ten-year prison term.
The initial traffic stop and arrest were made by Officer Kristopher Palea of South Hilo Patrol. The felony drug investigation was handled by Lieutenant Kelly Moniz of VICE East, Hawaiʻi Police Department. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner prosecuted the case.