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The Maui News
WAILUKU -- Bail remains at $500,000 for a Waiehu man who was on probation when he was arrested with nearly 5 pounds of methamphetamine last year.
Peter Kamalii, 42, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, attempted first-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug.
He was arrested Nov. 3, 2021, after authorities intercepted a parcel containing the drugs, which was delivered to a Pukalani address, according to police. Kamalii picked up the parcel and took it to Kula, where it was opened, police reported.
The felony charges were upheld at a preliminary hearing last year. Because of a recent Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that a grand jury indictment is required for defendants facing serious felony charges, Kamalii was indicted by a grand jury last month.
During a hearing Wednesday in 2nd Circuit Court, defense attorney Steven Slavitt said Kamalii is working on being admitted into the Maui Drug Court program of intensive treatment and supervision.
Deputy Prosecutor Randy Oyama asked for bail to stay at $500,000.
"This is a large trafficking case," he said, noting that 2,200 grams of methamphetamine was seized. "The defendant was on probation at the time this happened, so the state believes he's a danger to the community."
Judge Kelsey Kawano kept bail at $500,000.