Today, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that an Oceanview man, 40-year-old Travis Kapono Aukai, was charged with felony drug possession and escape offenses. At the time of his arrest, Aukai was also wanted on an unrelated bench warrant.

As the Complaint alleges, Aukai was charged with Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree for being in possession of over an ounce of heroin, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree for being in possession of methamphetamine, and Escape in the Second Degree. He remains in custody in lieu of $70,000.00 bail.

Aukai made his initial appearance on Monday and is scheduled to appear for his preliminary hearing on May 12th at 10:00 a.m. in Kona District Court. The lead investigators are Detective Chad Taniyama, Area II Vice Unit, and Detective Zenas Pacheco, Area I Vice Unit, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Nicole Bowman.

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 County Police Department Vice Unit 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 in East Hawai‘i or (808) 329-8181 in West Hawai‘i.