Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 42 year-old George-David Summers of Kamuela was arrested and charged for possession of methamphetamine and firearm related offenses after being contacted by police during a traffic stop on Government Beach Road in Puna in the early morning hours of November 8, 2024.
According to police, following the execution of a vehicle search warrant, officers recovered a loaded .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle with a thermal scope, live .22 caliber ammunition, two spent casings, over 16 grams of methamphetamine, and four glass smoking pipes.
Summers made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Tuesday afternoon. His bail was maintained at $173,000.00 and he was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on November 14, 2024.
As the Complaint alleges, Summers is charged with Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree, Place to Keep Loaded Firearms Other Than Pistols and Revolvers, Carrying or Possessing a Loaded Firearm on a Public Highway, Place to Keep Ammunition, and Promoting a Detrimental Drug in the Third Degree.
The most serious offenses, Place to Keep Loaded Firearms Other Than Pistols and Revolvers, Carrying or Possessing a Loaded Firearm on a Public Highway, and Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree are all class B felony offenses which carry a penalty of either a ten-year prison term or four years probation and up to eighteen months in jail.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was initiated by Officers Bryson Miyose, Eddie Cardines, and Terence Scanlan, Puna Community Policing Section. The felony investigation was led by Detective David Po‘ohina, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Son.
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.