Hilo Man Faces up to 10 Years for Drug Charges

A 26-year-old Hilo man will appear for sentencing Thursday for charges related to possession and the attempted distribution of methamphetamine and a firearms charge.

The charges against Elijah Mahaulu stem from a Nov. 10, 2020, incident on Awa Street in Panaewa. Prosecutors intend to seek the maximum 10-year prison term, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced in a news release Monday evening.

On March 14, Mahaulu entered guilty pleas to the charges of second-degree promoting a dangerous drug, second-degree attempted promoting a dangerous drug and permits to acquire. Both promoting a dangerous drug in the second degree and
attempted promoting a dangerous drug in the second degree are class B felonies, which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Mahaulu, who previously posted $172,000 bail back in November 2020, remains out
of custody pending the sentencing hearing.