Bronson Kepa‘a, Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking, Hawaii 2022

A 38-year-old man from Pearl City, Hawaii, has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking operation. Bronson Kepa‘a, 38, of Pearl City, was taken into custody yesterday after a federal search warrant was executed at his residence.

According to court documents, Kepa‘a is accused of possessing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and more than 40 grams of fentanyl with the intent to distribute them. He is also charged with carrying a semi-automatic pistol during and in relation to that possession.

The investigation began after a fentanyl overdose resulted in a death on October 7, 2022. Authorities followed up on a lead and identified Kepa‘a as the individual who provided fentanyl to the victim.

On October 17, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Kepa‘a’s residence and recovered approximately 61 grams of suspected fentanyl and one kilogram of suspected crystal methamphetamine. They also found a loaded firearm, semiautomatic rifles, and boxes of ammunition.

Kepa‘a made his initial appearance in United States District Court on the charges. Magistrate Judge Rom Trader ordered him detained pending a detention hearing on October 21, 2022.

“Increased trafficking of fentanyl, an extremely lethal synthetic opioid, promises to cause significant harm in our state,” said Clare E. Connors, United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii. “As demonstrated by this case, a very small dose – one pill – has the potential to kill, and while federal and local law enforcement will continue their joint efforts to investigate illegal drug trafficking, including trafficking resulting in overdose deaths, everyone should be aware of the terrible dangers of fentanyl.”

Kepa‘a faces a maximum term of life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum term of ten years, on the drug offenses, and for the firearm offense, a mandatory term of five years imprisonment consecutive to any sentence imposed on the drug charges.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and Kepa‘a is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Kepa‘a is currently being held in custody pending a detention hearing. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to work to identify and prosecute those involved in the trafficking operation.

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