Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Puna man, 56 year-old Pio Kapeli, was sentenced to a ten-year prison term for the attempted distribution of methamphetamine. On Monday, Kapeli, who remained in custody in lieu of $221,000.00 bail throughout the pendency of these proceedings, appeared in Hilo Circuit Court for his sentencing hearing. At the time of the commission of the attempted distribution of methamphetamine offense, Kapeli was on felony probation for theft and assault crimes.

On April 29, 2024, Kapeli entered a “Guilty” plea to the offense of Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree. According to police reports, on January 31, 2024, Kapeli was contacted by police while seated on the stage area of the Mo‘oheau Bandstand with a backpack between his legs. Following the execution of a narcotics search warrant, Vice officers recovered over four ounces of methamphetamine within Kapeli’s backpack.

Attempted Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree (knowingly distribute any dangerous drug, methamphetamine, in any amount) is a class B felony which carries a maximum penalty of a ten-year prison term.

The investigation was conducted by the Area I Vice Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The cases were prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner.

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) 934-8423, West Hawai‘i at (808) 329-0423, or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.