Honokaa women arrested and charged in drug and firearms offenses

KAILUA-KONA — Hawaii Island Police have arrested and charged two Honokaa women with drug and firearms offenses stemming from an investigation that was initiated Thursday evening in Waimea.

Police identified the individuals arrested and charged as 40-year-old Crystal Botelho and 44-year-old Nani Jo Keanini, both of Honokaa.

At approximately 10:20 p.m. Thursday evening, South Kohala patrol officers were participating in a DUI roadblock project in an effort to locate impaired drivers on Highway 19 near the Kamamalu Street intersection in Waimea. During this project officers encountered a vehicle, operated by Botelho and also occupied by Keanini, which had an odor of marijuana emanating from within the vehicle.

Officers continued their investigation and a subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a loaded .25 caliber handgun, a loaded .45 caliber handgun, 3.1 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 5.9 grams of suspected marijuana, paraphernalia associated with narcotics use, and $336 in cash.

After conferral with prosecutors, Botelho was charged with one count each of place to keep pistol, carrying a loaded firearm on the highway, promoting dangerous drugs in the third degree, and drug paraphernalia. Her total bail was set at $60,250.

Keanini was charged with one count each of place to keep pistol, carrying a loaded firearm on the highway, ownership prohibited, promoting dangerous drugs in the third degree, promoting detrimental drugs in the third degree, and drug paraphernalia. Her total bail was set at $71,250.

Both parties remain in police custody at the Kealakehe Police Station, pending their initial court appearance on Dec. 23 in the Kona District Court.