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WAILUKU -- A Kahului man was ordered to complete a long-term residential drug treatment program as part of his probation for felony crimes, including breaking into a vehicle in the police impound lot.
David Leialoha Jr., 26, was sentenced Tuesday to an 18-month jail term as part of four years' probation.
Second Circuit Judge Peter Cahill followed a plea agreement in sentencing Leialoha, who could be released earlier from jail to enter the Habilitat rehabilitation program in Kaneohe, Oahu.
In two criminal cases, Leialoha had pleaded no contest to first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, prohibited possession of a firearm and third-degree promoting of a dangerous drug. Other charges were dismissed in exchange for his pleas.
In one case, Leialoha and co-defendant Justin Yamashita were charged with trespassing and entering a white Honda Civic to remove items while it was impounded Jan. 9, 2018, at the Wailuku Police Station, according to police.
The vehicle belonging to Yamashita was impounded after a traffic stop the day before when a K-9 alerted to the odor of narcotics, police said.
Defense attorney Jon Apo said it was "one of the more brazen crimes that I've represented someone on."
Apo said Leialoha was "helping the person whose car was impounded get the drugs back."
"If he got the drugs back, he would get a take of it," Apo said.
In his other case, Leialoha was charged with possessing methamphetamine and a Colt .45-caliber pistol on Jan. 29, 2018.
To Leialoha's credit, he wanted to seek drug treatment in one of the more intensive programs, Apo said.
"He could have done his time," said Deputy Public Defender Danielle Sears, who also represented Leialoha. "He did what he had to do to get back in the good graces of Habilitat."
Judge Cahill noted that Leialoha is a graduate of the Maui Drug Court program of intensive supervision and treatment. He is charged with first-degree burglary in two pending cases on Oahu.
When Cahill asked why Leialoha had been held at Halawa Correctional Facility at one point, Sears said the defendant was transferred there because of the March 11 riot at the Maui Community Correctional Center.
The Department of Public Safety reported that inmates suspected of participating in the riot were flown to Oahu and transferred to Halawa.
Leialoha has prior convictions for first-degree burglary and second-degree theft.
In another sentencing Tuesday, a 36-year-old Kihei man was placed on four years' probation for passing a fake $20 bill and trying to break into a Kihei building.
Tau Over had pleaded guilty to second-degree forgery, attempted second-degree burglary and fourth-degree criminal property damage.
Deputy Public Defender Heather Brown said it was "the all-too-familiar tale of the person that is hooked on drugs and committing crimes and is a different person when they're off drugs."
Over, who has no prior felony record, is participating in a long-term residential drug treatment program on Oahu, said his attorney, Cody Minatodani.
He admitted damaging a fence and locks to try to break into the Haggai Institute with another man at 3:34 a.m. Feb. 11, 2018. In another case, Over admitted trying to pay for drinks with a fake $20 bill at Kahale Beach Club on Aug. 21, 2017. When the bartender refused the bill, he paid with a real $20 bill.
* Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.