KAILUA-KONA — A man and woman were 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 Department Area II Vice officers executed search warrants at Kona Scooters and a residence located off Kupuna Street in Kailua-Kona.
The first warrant was executed at the business about 9:15 a.m. The kiosk had not opened yet when authorities searched employee John Haley, 39, 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. He now faces charges of first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, first-degree promotion of a detrimental drug, two counts of second-degree promotion of a detrimental drug, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and drug paraphernalia.
Paul Chinchilla, owner of Kona Scooters, said the business was shocked by Haley’s arrest.
“We’re disappointed,” he said. “He’s always been reliable.”
Chinchilla said the business is cooperating with authorities and made the decision to not carry on Haley’s employment.
Hawaii Police Department Lt. Reynold Kahalewai said tips about drug activity at the scooter business came in through Crime Stoppers a couple of 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 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, 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. She is charged with third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, second-degree promotion of a detrimental drug and drug paraphernalia. Haley also was arrested for additional offenses from violations at his residence.
Haley’s bail was set at $72,250.
Jochumson was released Tuesday after posting $2,275 bail. Haley appeared in Kona District Court on Wednesday, where his bail was reduced to $71,000.
Haley’s preliminary hearing was Thursday. Kona District Judge Margaret Masunaga denied a request by Deputy Public Defender Rick Macapinlac that Haley be granted supervised release and maintained Haley’s bail at $71,000.
Email Tiffany DeMasters at tdemasters@westhawaiitoday.com.
