WAILUKU — A Waiehu man was arrested last week when police reported seizing more than 4 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, as well as heroin, steroids and cash, in a search of his residence.

Clarence Hookano Jr., 46, who is also known as “CJ,” was charged with two counts of first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, two counts of attempted first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, four counts of possessing drug paraphernalia, two counts of fourth-degree promotion of a harmful drug, possession of a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime and promoting a controlled substance near a school or public park.

He and a 23-year-old Kihei woman were arrested after police Crime Reduction Unit officers executed search warrants at the residence at 10 p.m. Thursday.

Police reported recovering 1,946 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 119 grams of heroin, two vials of anabolic steroids, a dagger, $17,045 in cash and paraphernalia associated with the use and distribution of narcotics.

The methamphetamine, which weighed just under 4.3 pounds, was packaged for distribution in amounts of 1 ounce and higher, Deputy Prosecutor Tracy Jones said during Hookano’s initial appearance Monday in Wailuku District Court. She said the more than 14 ounces of heroin also was packaged for sale.

The drugs were found in Hookano’s home, which is within 750 feet of Kamehameha Schools Preschool and Paukukalo Park, Jones said.

Bail for Hookano had been set at $150,000 cash only.

Appearing by videoconference from the courthouse cellblock Monday, Hookano asked to be allowed to post a bond instead of cash to be released.

Hookano wanted to be released so he can help manage his restaurant, which has about 20 employees, said Deputy Public Defender William Pannell.

“A lot of people depend on me at this time,” said Hookano, who owns Poi by the Pound in Kahului. “Without me being there, everything stops.”

Jones asked that, if the cash-only requirement were deleted, Hookano’s bail be increased to $500,000. She said that was in line with other defendants who have been arrested recently with significant amounts of drugs.

She said Hookano’s criminal history includes a conviction for second-degree robbery that resulted in a 10-year prison sentence in 2005, as well as convictions for abuse, misdemeanor assault on a law enforcement officer, violating an order for protection, harassment, lack of due care and four counts of contempt of court.

“He’s a danger to the community,” Jones said.

Judge Keith Tanaka asked Hookano what would happen to the restaurant if he couldn’t post bail to be released.

“It could possibly close down,” Hookano said.

When asked if he was the only one who could sign for restaurant bills, Hookano answered yes.

Judge Tanaka allowed Hookano to post bail by a bond. “I’m going to give you a chance to at least have your employees maintain their jobs,” Tanaka said.

Court records show a bail bond was posted for Hookano’s release after the hearing.

Hookano was ordered to report for supervision and random drug testing and to work full time.

He was ordered to have no contact with the woman who was arrested with him. He also was ordered to stay away from Kamehameha Schools Preschool and Paukukalo Park.

Police said further investigation in the case led to the identity of the person supplying the crystal methamphetamine to Hookano and the woman.

A 47-year-old Wailuku man was arrested on suspicion of first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and criminal conspiracy after Crime Reduction Unit officers executed a warrant to search a Wailuku residence at 5:45 p.m. Friday. Police reported seizing 0.95 grams of crystal methamphetamine, $174,157 in cash and paraphernalia associated with the use and distribution of narcotics.

The man and the woman were released pending further investigation and will be charged later, police said.

In another case in 2nd Circuit Court, Hookano pleaded no contest June 10 to a reduced charge of second-degree promotion of a detrimental drug after he was originally charged with a first-degree charge for alleged distribution of marijuana on Dec. 18, 2019.

He was given credit for one day of jail, in keeping with a plea agreement calling for no probation.

The case involved 5 ounces of marijuana and $1,765 seized by police and forfeited to the state. Hookano said at that hearing that he had been sober for 18 years.

* Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.