UPDATE: Today’s hearing was overseen by Judge M. Kanani Laubach.
Public Defender Arthur Indiola started with a oral motion to withdraw due to conflict and was granted by Judge Laubach. After a not guilty plea was entered for Kaneshiro, Indiola then asked the courts for Kaneshiros to be released on supervised release or for a reduction in bail. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia-Keltner representing the state objected to the release and bail reduction. Both were then denied by Judge Laubach. Prosector Correia-Keltner then asked the courts for an increase in bail for Criminal Attempt Promote a Dangerous Drug charge. Judge Laubach Granted the request and Kaneshiroʻs bail was increased to $80,000 from $25,000 on that charge.
Kaneshiro remains in custody on a now $560,000 bail. His next appearance is next week Tuesday the 27 of July at 2 pm.
Today, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Pahoa man, 34-year-old Jordan Maka’ala Valente Kaneshiro, was charged for attempted distribution of multiple dangerous drugs and firearms offenses. At the time of his arrest for these offenses, Kaneshiro was also arrested for two unrelated warrants.
As the Complaint alleges, Kaneshiro, a repeat offender with six prior felony convictions, was charged with twelve offenses including Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (possession of over an ounce of methamphetamine), three counts of Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the First Degree (distribution of over an eighth of an ounce of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin), two counts of Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree (possession of over an eighth of an ounce of cocaine and heroin), three counts of Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine), Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia, Ownership or Possession Prohibited, and Possession of a Firearm With Intent to Facilitate the Commission of a Felony Drug Offense. If convicted as charged of any of the class A and/or class B felony offenses, Kaneshiro faces a mandatory prison term.
Kaneshiro is scheduled to make his initial appearance today in Hilo District Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $505,000 bail.
The investigation was handled by the Area I Vice Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia-Keltner.
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 Police Department Vice Section 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.
