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The Maui News
WAILUKU -- A judge set bail at $500,000 for a Wailuku man who had been released on bail in drug cases when he was arrested Friday and charged with additional felony drug offenses.
Jamen Sugahara, 40, was charged with attempted first-degree promoting of a dangerous drug, second-degree promoting of a dangerous drug, two counts of possessing drug paraphernalia, third-degree promoting of a dangerous drug and promoting a controlled substance within 750 feet of a public park.
During his initial appearance Tuesday in Wailuku District Court, Deputy Prosecutor Tracy Jones said the state sought "extraordinary bail" based on circumstances "involving recovery of a half-ounce of methamphetamine possessed by a felon within 750 feet of Papohaku Park" in Wailuku.
She said Sugahara indicated he had been selling drugs.
He is awaiting trial in another felony drug case after being arrested with another man last year, also within 750 feet of Papohaku Park, Jones said. In that case, his bail was reduced from $150,000 to $49,500 at his request in October so he could work in the kitchen at the jail, Jones said.
She said attorneys were negotiating a settlement that could have involved his release into long-term residential treatment. "To the state's surprise, he posted the bail," Jones said. "While on bail, he's committing new serious offenses. He presents a danger because he continues his criminal behavior."
She said Sugahara has an extensive criminal history of 27 convictions, including five for felony offenses. He served a 10-year prison term for second-degree robbery after his probation was revoked, she said.
In 2002, Sugahara graduated from the Maui Drug Court program of treatment and supervision.
Noting that the charges are allegations, Deputy Public Defender Rachel Miyoshi asked that bail be reduced to $250,000 for Sugahara.
Judge Blaine Kobayashi followed the prosecution's request in setting bail at $500,000.