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WAILUKU -- Bail was reduced to $20,000 for a Wailuku man who was indicted on felony charges alleging he possessed drugs near a Kahului preschool and park.
Daniel Costa, 34, pleaded not guilty to first-degree promoting of a dangerous drug, first-degree promoting of a harmful drug and promoting a controlled substance in, on or near schools or public parks. The crimes occurred Oct. 30, 2017, according to an indictment.
During a hearing Friday in 2nd Circuit Court, Costa asked to be released on supervision, citing his employment and ties to the community.
The prosecution asked that Costa's bail remain at $100,000.
Costa is charged with being in possession of about 113 grams of methamphetamine within 750 feet of Kahului Preschool Kamaaina Kids at 50 S. Papa Ave. and Keopuolani Park in Kahului, said Deputy Prosecutor Lyle Keanini.
"The state believes supervised release is not an option," Keanini said. "Given the charges, this defendant is the exact kind of person we need to protect the community from."
Deputy Public Defender Tyler Stevenson said some of Costa's family members were in the courtroom gallery to support him.
Judge Richard Bissen reduced Costa's bail to $20,000 after Stevenson said Costa could afford to post that amount.
Costa was arrested Tuesday on the indictment, police records show.
A May 6 trial is set for him.