February 24, 2015

Molokai Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Prison for Aggravated Role in Methamphetamine Conspiracy

HONOLULU—Jon Hans Kaapuni, Jr., 35, of Kaunakakai, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge J. Michael Seabright to 151 months’ imprisonment for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on the island of Molokai. Kaapuni, Jr. had previously pled guilty on September 2, 2014 to conspiracy to distribute and possess, with intent to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Florence T. Nakakuni, United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii, said the evidence presented in court showed that Kaapuni, Jr. was a manager and supervisor of a long standing methamphetamine conspiracy on Molokai involving five or more members. Kaapuni, Jr. was found responsible for the distribution of 692 grams of pure methamphetamine, or “ice”, and an additional 240 grams of generic methamphetamine.

At the sentencing hearing, the court found that Kaapuni, Jr. was “at the pinnacle” on Molokai in distributing methamphetamine supplied by co-defendant Benjamin “Kamu” Fuller, of Maui, who was previously sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment in the case. A total of six individuals were convicted for their participation in the conspiracy.

As part of his sentence, Kaapuni, Jr. was also ordered to forfeit to the United States a custom fishing catamaran as well as his interest in a Molokai real property because they were obtained with proceeds from the distribution and sale of methamphetamine.

The investigation which resulted in the charges in the case was conducted by the FBI and the Maui Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Inciong handled the prosecution.