Waimea couple charged with drug offenses, illegal fireworks violations

Hawai‘i Island police charged a Waimea couple with more than a half dozen drug offenses and illegal fireworks violations on New Yearʻs Eve following their arrest on Dec. 30, 2022.

After a month-long investigation, Area II Vice Section investigators served a search warrant on a residence in the 64-5300 block of Puʻu Nanea Street in Waimea that was occupied by married couple Kendell and Lexa Artuyo, both 31.

Police recovered nearly 1.9 grams of fentanyl mixture, 30 Suboxone pills having a street value of more than $2,200 and more than 25 pounds of illegal aerial fireworks.

They also seized more than $2,572 in U.S. currency for forfeiture. The couple’s two minor children were taken into protective custody for their safety.

Kendell Artuyo was charged with six offenses and his baill was set at $72,250. The offenses:

• two counts of endangering the welfare of a child 
• one count of promoting a dangerous drug in the third degree
• one count of promoting a dangerous drug in the second degree
• one count of promoting a harmful drug in the second degree
• one count of drug paraphernalia
• one count of fireworks prohibitions

Lexa Artuyo was charged with six offense and her bail was set at $84,500. The offenses:

• four counts of endangering the welfare of a child
• two counts of promoting a dangerous drug in the third degree
• one count of promoting a dangerous drug in the second degree
• one count of promoting a harmful drug in the second degree
• two counts of drug paraphernalia
• one count of fireworks prohibitions

Lexa Artuyo was released on her own recognizance due to a medical issue. Kendell Artuyo posted bail. Both parties are due in Kona District Court on Feb. 2, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. for their preliminary hearing.