Two Big Island men facing drug charges

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Two men arrested in a drug bust last week in Ka'u on the Big Island will face federal charges on O'ahu this week.

Big Island police said a 25-year-old Wai'ohinu man and a 57-year-old Pahala man, arrested Thursday, will be transported to O'ahu today for federal prosecution.

Two other men who were arrested during the investigation, including a man authorities said worked at an elementary school, were released Saturday pending further investigation.

Police said they seized 468.2 grams — just over a pound — of crystal methamphetamine and a small amount of marijuana.

Ice pipes, scales, $566 in cash and a car were also seized, police said.

Officers of the West Hawai'i Vice Section and the Ice Task Force made the arrests.

Police asked that Big Island residents use two hot lines to report illicit drug use and distribution. In West Hawai'i the number is 329-0423. In East Hawai'i, the number is 934-8423.

Reach Karen Blakeman at 535-2430 or at kblakeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.