Man sentenced to ten years in prison for attempted methamphetamine distribution in Hilo park

A Puna man was was sentenced to a ten-year prison term for the attempted distribution of
methamphetamine after being found with a backpack with over four ounces of the drug at the Mo’oheau Park bandstand in Hilo earlier this year.

56 year-old Pio Kapeli was sentenced on Monday, July 29, the Hawaiʻi Island Office of the Prosecuting Attorney said in a press release.

The office said Kapeli remained in custody on $221,000.00 bail throughout the proceedings. At the time of the commission of the attempted distribution of methamphetamine offense, Kapeli was also 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,” the office said to conclude the statement.

The office asks anyone with information concerning illegal narcotics distribution
to 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.