Honoka’a, HI – Jovin Batalona, 46, of Honoka’a, was arrested and charged with several drug offenses following the execution of a narcotics search warrant at his residence on Lehua Street. The Hawai’i Police Department’s Vice West officers conducted the search on April 22, 2025, leading to the discovery of a significant quantity of illegal substances.
According to police reports, officers recovered twelve clear zip baggies containing over eleven ounces of methamphetamine, over fifteen grams of cocaine, over three ounces of marijuana, and various items of drug paraphernalia.
Batalona appeared in Kona District Court on April 23, 2025, for his initial hearing. Despite objections from the prosecution, his bail was reduced from $253,250.00 to $150,000.00. He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on April 30, 2025.
The charges against Batalona include Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree, Promoting a Detrimental Drug in the Second Degree, and Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia.
The most serious charges, Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree and Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree, are Class A felonies. Conviction on either charge could result in a twenty-year prison term or ten years probation with up to two years in jail.
It is important to remember that these charges are merely allegations, and Batalona is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Officer Jeremiah Hull of Vice West, Hawai‘i Police Department, led the felony narcotics investigation. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chase Murray is prosecuting the case.