Fugitives arrested in task force sweep of Maui face new charges

By Allison Schaefers
Advertiser Staff Writer

Federal and state prosecutors will be opening new cases against several of the fugitives arrested on Maui during a recent three-week sweep dubbed Operation Kaulike-Maui, the U.S. Attorney announced yesterday.

A task force organized in March arrested 64 fugitives in one of the largest joint law-enforcement operations ever on a Neighbor Island. The task force also recovered four firearms, ammunition, more than 12 ounces of crystal methamphetamine, 18 marijuana plants and drug paraphernalia.

The fugitives, who were wanted on federal and state warrants in connection with felony offenses, had 1,000 arrests and 400 convictions among them, said Mark "Dutch" Hanohano, U.S. marshal for the Hawai'i district.

While serving warrants, investigators arrested several fugitives on new drug and weapons violations, Hanohano said. Three of the fugitives meet the criteria for federal prosecution, and another three or more meet state criteria, he said.

Many fugitives targeted by the task force for state offenses had lengthy criminal histories and had committed violent crimes, weapon and drug offenses, said U.S. Attorney Edward Kubo, Jr. during a press conference.

"We are removing those repeat offenders who lived in your community, and we are removing those bad elements who repeatedly preyed on your families, your homes and your neighborhoods," Kubo said.

Investigators began with the fugitives' last known addresses and followed leads, pulling out all the stops, said Glenn D. Ferreira, deputy U.S. marshal.

Ferreira even used pig-hunting skills to track one fugitive through rural terrain in Maui after marshals were led on a chase that ended in the mountains, he said.

"I've been a pig hunter since 1975, so I was conditioned for the search," Ferreira said.

Advertiser Staff Writer Rod Ohira contributed to this report. Reach Allison Schaefers at aschaefers@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8110.