Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi – James Haskins, 37, of Kailua-Kona, has been arrested and charged for attempted distribution of methamphetamine and other offenses. The arrest followed a contact by Vice-West officers at the Kohanaiki Ohana Fuels on July 14, 2025. Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced the charges today.
According to police reports, officers executed a narcotics search warrant on a vehicle Haskins was operating. During the search, they recovered a combined total of 47.2 grams (1.67 ounces) of a substance that presumptively tested positive for methamphetamine. Also found were an operable digital scale, multiple clean and unused zip-type packets, two clear glass smoking pipes, and a debit card belonging to another person. These items are commonly associated with drug distribution.
Haskins made his initial appearance in Kona District Court on Wednesday afternoon. Over prosecutors’ objections, the Court reduced Haskins’ bail from $220,000.00 to $100,000.00. He has been ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on July 18, 2025.
The criminal complaint alleges Haskins is charged with:
- Attempted Promotion of a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (attempted distribution of methamphetamine of an aggregate weight of one-eighth ounce or more)
- Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree
- Unauthorized Possession of Confidential Personal Information
Both Attempted Promotion of a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree and Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree are Class A felony offenses. These carry a potential penalty of either a twenty-year prison term or ten years of probation with up to two years in jail.
The charges are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The felony narcotics investigation was handled by the Vice-West Section of the Hawaiʻi Police Department. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Woodward is prosecuting the case.