KAILUA-KONA — A man and woman have been arrested on numerous drug charges after authorities received complaints about possible distribution at a scooter rental business off Alii Drive, officials confirmed Wednesday.
On Tuesday morning, Hawaii Police Area II Vice officers executed search warrants at Kona Scooters and a residence located off of Kupuna Street in Kailua-Kona.
The first warrant was issued at the business at about 9:15 a.m. The kiosk had not opened yet when authorities searched 39-year-old John Haley, an employee, for drugs. According to police, drugs were found on Haley’s person, on his scooter and in the booth.
Police say the drugs found were 2.3 grams of cocaine and 58 grams of marijuana packaged for distribution as cigarettes in plastic containers and buds in sealed bags.
As a result, Haley was arrested on first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, first-degree promotion of a detrimental drug and second-degree promotion of a detrimental drug.
Paul Chinchilla, owner of Kona Scooters, said they as a business were shocked by Haley’s arrest.
“We’re disappointed,” he said. “He’s always been reliable.”
Chinchilla said they are cooperating with authorities and made the obvious decision to not carry on Haley’s employment.
Lt. Reynold Kahalewai said tips about drug activity at the scooter business came in through Crime Stoppers, an anonymous police tip line, a couple months ago.
“They were seeing people walk up to the booth, doing exchanges,” Kahalewai said. “People appeared to be purchasing drugs.”
Kahalewai said officers were sent down to make checks and eventually they were able to make the same observations. It appeared Haley had been dealing drugs from the booth in excess of two months, the lieutenant added.
After arresting Haley, Area II Vice officers executed a search warrant at Haley’s residence off Kupuna Street, where officers recovered an additional 315.5 grams (11.2 ounces) of marijuana packaged for distribution and a digital scale with a minimal amount of cocaine on it.
At the residence, officers arrested 20-year-old Julianna Jochumson for the offenses of third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, second-degree promotion of a detrimental drug and drug paraphernalia. Haley was also arrested for the additional offenses from violations at his residence.
Both parties were charged for the offenses they were arrested for with bail set at $72,250 for Haley and $2,275 for Jochumson.
Jochumson was released Tuesday, after posting bail. Haley appeared in District Court on Wednesday where his bail was reduced to $71,000. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for today.
On Wednesday, Kahalewai encouraged the community to pass on information on any suspicious activity.
“Even if it may seem small, we’ll look into and do a proper investigation,” he said.