WAILUKU - Targeting illegal activity at Maui beaches and parks in "Operation Flip Flop," police juvenile officers arrested 17 people for drug, alcohol and other offenses last week.
The plainclothes operation began July 20 in Kihei when officers made contact with a 19-year-old Kihei woman and two 15-year-old Kihei girls at South Kihei and Auhana roads at 10:33 p.m., said acting Lt. David Silva of the police Juvenile Section. He said the woman, Mara Moncalian, and one girl were arrested for alcohol consumption, which is illegal for anyone under age 21. The two girls also were arrested for violating their curfew.
At 12:30 a.m. July 21, officers arrested two other people who were drinking alcohol. Daniel Medina, 19, and a 17-year-old girl, both Kihei residents, were in a vehicle parked near the Salvation Army on Halekuai Street in Kihei, police said.
More arrests were made at 8 p.m. July 21 by officers doing surveillance near Banyan Tree Park in Lahaina. Justin Landess, 25, and Micah Macalino, 21, both of Lahaina, were seen smoking marijuana and were arrested for third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug, police said. Landess also was arrested on a $350 bench warrant, and 24-year-old Esther Connolly of Honokohau Valley was arrested on a $15,000 bench warrant. Silva said police are applying for a warrant to search a bag suspected of containing drugs that was seized after the owner refused to allow officers to search it.
At 9:10 p.m. the next day, officers returned to Lahaina, arresting two 13-year-old girls who were seen smoking marijuana.
On July 23, six men were arrested in Paia after they were seen smoking marijuana, police said.
William Littleton, 20, of Makawao, and Shawn North, 43, of Pukalani, were arrested for third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug at Paia Bay near the Pa'ia Youth & Culture Center at 12:40 p.m.
At nearby Baldwin Beach Park at 3:43 p.m., officers arrested Upcountry residents Benjamin Robinson, 49; David Calo Jr., 32; and Gaius Awong, 20, for third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug. Awong was also charged with prohibited alcohol consumption. A 59-year-old Makawao man was arrested and released pending further investigation of drug charges.
On Friday, officers arrested a 17-year-old boy on a bench warrant.
In all, those arrested face 30 charges, police said.
The juveniles were released to parents or guardians. Most of the adults were released and given a date to appear in court.
Juvenile investigator Gordon Sagun planned the weeklong operation, which was overseen by acting Sgt. Sam Gasmen. Juvenile investigators Dale Corpuz and Mary Sagawinit also participated.
"These four officers did an outstanding job," Silva said. "Whatever criminal activity these officers come in contact with, they're going to document or make arrests."
With many schools starting their 2009-10 year this week, juvenile officers will be on the lookout for students who are absent without permission, Silva said.
* Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.
