WAILUKU - Bail was kept at $150,000 on Friday for a Lanai man indicted on drug and firearm charges in connection with a police search of his residence.
A Feb. 25 trial is set in 2nd Circuit Court for Lance Kealoha, 43.
He has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree methamphetamine trafficking, possessing drug paraphernalia, two counts of third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, fourth-degree promotion of a harmful drug and multiple counts of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.
During Kealoha's bail hearing Friday, Deputy Prosecutor Tracy Jones argued against a recommended bail reduction, saying Kealoha is a "repeat convicted felon."
She said that Kealoha was the subject of a drug investigation when police searched his Lanai City residence May 18 and recovered 66.17 grams of methamphetamine, packaged for sale, from under his bed. Officers also found pills and two firearms, including a stolen 12-gauge shotgun and a Remington 30.06 rifle, Jones said. She said brass knuckles were on a nightstand in a lauhala basket that contained bullets.
"He admitted to dealing the drugs that were found underneath his bed," Jones said. "There isn't anybody more dangerous to our community than a drug user who's dealing drugs."
According to court records, Kealoha has prior convictions for first-degree assault, unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug.
Second Circuit Judge Richard Bissen ordered that Kealoha's bail remain at $150,000. The judge also ordered Kealoha not to consume alcohol or illegal drugs and to report for supervision and random testing if he does post bail.
