A 31-year-old Waimea man released on bail for recent fireworks and drug offenses, was arrested and charged with one count of first-degree terroristic threatening after he threatened a Hawai‘i Police Department officer.

Following a month-long investigation, Hawai‘i Island police arrested Kendall Artuyo and his 31-year-old wife, Lexa Artuyo, (Report # 22-116327) on Friday, December 30, 2022, after serving a search warrant on the couple’s Waimea residence. During that investigation, police recovered nearly 1.9 grams of fentanyl mixture, 30 Suboxone pills having a total street value of more than $2,200, recovered more than 25 pounds of illegal aerial fireworks, and seized more than $2,572 in US currency for forfeiture.  

On Saturday evening, December 31, 2022, the couple were charged with numerous offenses relating to drugs, endangering the welfare of a child, and illegal fireworks violations. Lexa Artuyo was subsequently released on her own recognizance due to a medical issue. Kendell Artuyo posted bail and bonded out from custody on Tuesday, January 3.

While out on bail, Kendall Artuyo contacted a police officer, making threatening statements to the officer. Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigation Section continued the investigation and Artuyo was located and arrested without incident on Wednesday, January 4, in South Kohala.

After conferral with the County Prosecutor’s  Office, Artuyo was charged with one count of first-degree terroristic threatening. His bail is set at $10,000. He remains in police custody pending his initial court appearance scheduled for Friday, January 6, 2022.