Puna Man Charged With Multiple Drug, Firearms Offenses

A Puna man faces multiple charges after police executed a search warrant at a residence in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision earlier this week.

According to a press release from the Hawai‘i Police Department, officers with the Area 1 Vice Section arrested 52-year-old Lloyd Cowles of Kea‘au on Monday, Feb. 7, following the execution of a narcotics search warrant at the HPP residence.

During the search, police recovered a loaded semi-automatic pistol, ammunition of various calibers, a total of 224.7 grams of dried marijuana, methamphetamine residue, heroin residue, methamphetamine and marijuana smoking pipes and various drug paraphernalia.

Cowles, who has a previous felony conviction banning him from possessing firearms or ammunition, was arrested and charged for ownership or possession of firearm prohibited, two counts of ownership or possession of ammunition prohibited, two counts of third-degree promoting a dangerous drug, second-degree promoting a detrimental drug and drug paraphernalia.

His bail was set at $96,000. He made his initial court appearance Wednesday, Feb. 9, in South Hilo District Court.