Kona judge reduces bail for Big Island man facing a myriad of drug charges

A man from Honoka‘a is facing a myriad of drug charges after a search warrant at a home yielded varying amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana.

According to police reports, vice officers with Hawai‘i Island police executed a narcotics search warrant on April 22 at a Lehua Street residence in the Hāmākua town where they recovered 12 clear zip baggies containing more than 11 ounces of methamphetamine, over 15 grams of cocaine, over 3 ounces of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Jovin Batalona, 46, was arrested in connection with the drugs found. He is facing charges of first-degree attempted promotion of a dangerous drug, first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, both of which are class A felonies and carry a penalty of either a 20-year prison term or 10 years probation and up to two years in jail.

Batalona was also charged with second-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, second-degree promotion of a detrimental drug and prohibited acts related to drug paraphernalia.

Batalona made his initial appearance in Kona District Court on April 23. Over county prosecutors’ objections, Batalona’s bail was reduced from $253,250 to $150,000.

He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.