Man arrested on narcotics and firearm charge

BLACK
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A 44-year-old Ainaloa Estates man was arrested Friday on narcotics and firearms charges after a search of his home and truck by police and Homeland Security.

Hilo District Judge Jeffrey Hawk on Monday denied a motion by defense attorney Joseph Robello to free Olomana P. Black on supervised release — a form of cashless bail — after Deputy Prosecutor Andrew Son objected.

He also ordered Black to return to court Wednesday for a preliminary hearing.

Black was charged with first-, attempted first- and third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, possessing a “ghost gun” — a firearm without a serial number — four counts of prohibited possession of a firearm, and two counts of prohibited possession of ammunition.

According to court documents filed by police, the search warrant turned up 59.21 grams — almost 2 ounces — of methamphetamine and associated drug paraphernalia. Also allegedly seized by authorities were a .300 blackout AR-style rifle, .44 caliber revolver, .22 caliber revolver and 9mm unserialized semiautomatic pistol, plus ammunition.

While Black has no prior felony convictions, he’s not allowed to legally possess firearms or ammunition because of a 2008 conviction for domestic abuse.

Authorities also found in a kitchen freezer 214 grams of marijuana — almost a half-pound — but Black wasn’t charged with marijuana possession, a misdemeanor.

The most serious offenses, first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and attempted first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, are both Class A felonies carrying a potential 20-year prison sentence.

Black remains in custody at Hawaii Community Correctional Center in lieu of $222,000 bail.

Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.