Pāhoa Man Sentenced to Mandatory Minimum Prison Term After Pleading Guilty to Drug, Firearm Charges

A Pāhoa man who pleaded guilty to various drug and firearm charges was sentenced to a 10-year prison term.

Since Jordan Maka’ala Valente Kaneshiro accepted a plea agreement, county prosecutors say the 34-year-old will serve a mandatory minimum term of six years and eight months, without the possibility of probation or parole.

“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message to those who distribute dangerous narcotics, including methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, and poison our community, that there will be consequences for your actions,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen. “We encourage members of the public to report criminal and drug activity in their neighborhoods. It’s time that law enforcement, prosecutors, and our community unite to work together to take back Hawai‘i Island and make it a safer and better place to live.”

On April 6, 2022, Kaneshiro pleaded guilty to seven felony offenses including three counts of second-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, two counts of third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, ownership of possession of a firearm prohibited and second-degree attempted promotion of a dangerous drug.

Charges stem from an incident last year where Kaneshiro was found in possession of an eighth ounce each of methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine. He was also found in possession of fentanyl.