Big Island man sentenced after being found guilty of trying to smuggle drugs through Kona airport

A man from Captain Cook who was arrested and charged in 2025 for trying to sneak drugs past airport security in men’s shoes in Kona was convicted of several drug charges in federal court and sentenced to more than 10 years in prison.

Kevin James Hallum, 52, pleaded not guilty in August 2025 to charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, and possession with intent to distribute those controlled substances.

Hallum was convicted on July 2, 2026, following a four-day jury trial in U.S. District Court. He was sentenced on Nov. 6 by United States District Judge Micah W. J. Smith to 121 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to evidence presented at trial and information submitted to the Court, on July 25, 2025, Hallum attempted to pass through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport while carrying a substantial quantity of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and other controlled substances concealed inside work boots packed in his carry-on luggage.

During the screening process, TSA officers identified anomalies in Hallum’s bag and discovered the drugs hidden inside socks placed within the boots.

Hallum was reportedly headed to Alaska when he went through the TSA precheck security line. After his carry-on went through the machine screening, TSA agents flagged the bag for a hand search.

When TSA officers began inspecting the luggage, Hallum made statements identifying the boots as his, attempted to retrieve the drugs that had been discovered, and then fled from the security checkpoint. He was later apprehended, charged, and convicted.

“Drug traffickers who use our airports to transport methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and other narcotics will be identified and held accountable,” said Homeland Security Investigations Honolulu Acting Special Agent in Charge CJ Ammons. “By strategically leveraging partnerships, advanced technology, and other sources of information, HSI Honolulu remains dedicated to securing our borders and protecting Hawaii from illicit trafficking.”

At sentencing, the court found that Hallum obstructed justice through false testimony during both his trial and sentencing proceedings.

“Methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl continue to devastate our local families and communities across Hawaii,” said United States Attorney Ken Sorenson. “These drugs can quickly convert users into addicts willing to steal, rob, and even murder to get their next fix. These drugs vastly increase crime upon our law-abiding citizens and add to ever-increasing numbers of homelessness among our families and keiki. We pledge to continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute those who transport and distribute dangerous narcotics in Hawai‘i, whether it be through our airports or any other means.”