Update: Judge maintains bail on Puna man reportedly found with meth at Hilo park

5:13 p.m. Feb. 2 update: Hilo District Court Judge M. Kanani Laubach maintained bail on a Puna man charged with a myriad of drug offenses.

Pio Kapeli made his initial appearance this afternoon following his arrest Wednesday in Hilo when he was found with suspected methamphetamine at the Mo‘oheau Bandstand Park. He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 6.

Original post: A Puna man is facing a myriad of drug charges after reportedly being found with suspected methamphetamine at the Mo‘oheau Bandstand in Hilo.

Hawai‘i Island police initially came into contact with Pio Kapeli, 56, on Wednesday, when they found him seated at the stage area. Vice officers recovered more than four ounces of methamphetamine found in a backpack which was seen between Kapeli’s legs.

Kapeli was charged with first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, first-degree attempted promotion of a dangerous drug, promoting a controlled substance in, or near schools, public parks, or public housing projects or complexes; and third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug.

Kapeli is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Friday afternoon. He remains in custody on $221,000 bail.

First-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and first-degree attempted promotion of a dangerous drug are both class A felonies and are punishable by a maximum penalty of a 20-year prison term. Promoting a substance in a public park is a class C felony punishable by a maximum penalty of a 5-year prison term.

If convicted as charged, Kapeli faces sentencing to a mandatory prison term and will not be eligible for probation. Additionally, prosecutors have provided a notice that Kapeli is subject to an extended term of imprisonment.