CORRECTION: A previous version of the story contained an incorrect last name for Judge Kimberly Taniyama. The Tribune-Herald regrets the error and apologizes to the judge.
Over the objection of a prosecutor, a judge this week sharply cut the bail for an Ocean View man facing felony auto theft, drug and firearms charges.
Hilo District Judge Kimberly Taniyama on Monday granted a request by Deputy Public Defender David Saiki to reduce bail for his client, 42-year-old Daniel James Lemaire, from $288,000 to $10,000. Taniyama also ordered Lemaire to return to court next Wednesday for a preliminary hearing.
According to the state Department of Public Safety website, Lemaire remained in custody Wednesday afternoon.
Lemaire faces charges of first-degree theft, first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, attempted first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, unauthorized control of a stolen vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm on a public roadway, carrying a firearm in the commission of a felony drug offense, prohibited possession of a firearm and ammunition, illegally carrying a long gun, no firearm permit, possessing more than an ounce of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving without a license.
Police say Lemaire was driving a Saturn Vue that was reported stolen from the parking lot of the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport when he was pulled over during a routine traffic stop on Sept. 2.
Officers obtained consent to search the Saturn, according to county Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen, and seized about 51 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a loaded semi-automatic rifle and ammunition.
The most serious charges — first-degree attempted promotion of a dangerous drug, first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, and carrying a firearm in the commission of a felony drug offense — are all Class A felony offenses punishable by a maximum 20-year prison term.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
