2-02-24 Police Arrest and Charge Pāhoa Man with Drug Offenses

Hawai‘i Police Department
Area I Criminal Investigation Division
Captain Rio Amon-Wilkins
Phone: (808) 961-2251
Report No.: 24-010529

Media Release

Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged a 56-year-old Pāhoa man with various drug-related offenses. 

On Wednesday afternoon, January 31, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., Area I vice officers arrested Pio Kapeli at the Mo‘oheau Bandstand in downtown Hilo.

The arrest was the result of information police received regarding the sale of illicit drugs in the area of the Mo‘oheau Bus Terminal, officially known as the Russell Carroll Mo‘oheau County Park, in downtown Hilo. Through information developed by vice officers, they were able to obtain a warrant for Kapeli and property in his possession.

Upon Kapeli’s arrest, he was found to be in possession of a backpack. Upon execution of the search warrant on Kapeli’s bag, police recovered a gallon-sized zip-lock bag containing a white crystal-like substance, which ultimately tested presumptively positive for 119.37 grams (4.21 ounces) methamphetamine. Vice officers also recovered a digital scale with methamphetamine residue, more than 50 zip-packets (commonly used for drug distribution), and 20.83 grams of dried marijuana.

At the time of Kapeli’s arrest, there were young children in and around the bandstand and park area.

On Thursday, February 1, after conferral with the County Prosecutor’s Office, Kapeli was charged with the following offenses:

• First-degree promotion of a dangerous drug (possession)
• First-degree promotion of a dangerous drug (attempted distribution)
• Promoting a controlled substance on or near a public park
• Third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug

Kapeli’s bail was set at $221,000. He remains in police custody pending his initial court appearance scheduled for Friday afternoon, February 2, in Hilo District Court.  

The Hawai‘i Police Department is committed to working cooperatively with the community to improve the quality of life of island residents, and provide a safer environment for everyone. Police encourage residents to report suspicious and illegal activity to the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.