A 69-year-old Hilo man facing drug and firearms charges after police found more than 2 pounds of narcotics in his home admitted ownership of the drugs, according to court documents filed by police.
Officers executed a search warrant on the Hoaloha Street residence of Jay Hoapili Kailimai in the early morning hours of Dec. 7 and seized more than 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine and 0.5 pounds of cocaine, documents state.
The search also allegedly turned up a Colt Diamondback .22 caliber long-rifle revolver, various types of ammunition and $6,800 in cash.
Kailimai is charged with three counts of first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, four counts of attempted first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, plus single counts of second-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and being a felon in possession of ammunition.
After being advised of his rights, Kailimai admitted that the drugs belonged to him, police said.
Kailimai also reportedly told officers he doesn’t use drugs, but he sells them to pay his bills and for gas money.
Kailimai, who was convicted in 2003 by the federal government of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, also allegedly told officers he knew that as a convicted felon, he couldn’t legally possess a firearm or ammunition.
According to documents, Kailimai told officers he used the revolver to kill cattle that belong to him.
At Kailimai’s initial court appearance on Friday, Hilo District Judge Kanani Laubach denied a motion by Deputy Public Defender Evans Smith to free Kailimai on his own recognizance or court-supervised release, or to reduce Kailimai’s $425,000 bail.
Laubach ordered Kailimai to return to court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing.
The most serious offenses, first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and attempted first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, are Class A felonies that, under most circumstances, carry a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.
County Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen said in a statement, however, his office has provided notice of its intention to seek an extended prison term which, if granted, would subject Kailimai to a sentence of life imprisonment with the possibility of parole.
Kailimai remains in custody at Hawaii Community Correctional Center.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
