Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Hilo man, 43-year-old Richard Kualii Kamau III, was charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with federal drugs charges related to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl and felon in possession of ammunition.

As the Criminal Complaint alleges, Kamau, who has a prior state felony conviction for Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree, was charged with four (4) offenses including Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 grams of Methamphetamine or more, Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, and Felon in Possession of Ammunition.

Kamau is currently being held without bail pending his initial appearance on Tuesday in Federal District Court in Honolulu. Review of state court records indicate that at the time of the alleged offenses, Kamau was pending 16 charges in an unrelated felony drug and firearms case alleged to have been committed in March 2021.

“This investigation and prosecution was the result of a combined effort by members of the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area I Vice Section, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Hawai‘i County Prosecutors, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We will continue to work together and prioritize the prosecution of those offenders who are responsible for the distribution of illegal narcotics such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen.

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.