Waianae Gunman Jonaven Perkins-Sinapati Given 10-Year Sentence for Firearm & Drug Dealing

HONOLULU – Jonaven Perkins-Sinapati, a 39-year-old resident of Waianae, Hawaii, was meted out a 120-month sentence today in federal court by U.S. District Judge Shanlyn A.S. Park for his involvement in methamphetamine distribution and illegal gun possession as a convicted felon.

Perkins-Sinapati’s guilty plea came after an incident on May 23, 2024, when he was driving in Waianae while being pursued by law enforcement due to an outstanding warrant. During the chase, Perkins-Sinapati directed a passenger to toss a bag from the vehicle, which was subsequently recovered containing approximately 147 grams of methamphetamine, a ghost gun with no serial number, and 67 rounds of ammunition.

According to court documents, Perkins-Sinapati was already out on bail for another state firearms offense when he committed these offenses. Additional evidence showed that he had discharged a firearm from his vehicle’s sunroof in public places before his arrest. Judge Park highlighted the dangers of ghost guns and called Perkins-Sinapati’s actions ‘grandiose and reckless,’ noting his contribution to gun violence in Waianae.

The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barbara Eucker and Sara D. Ayabe prosecuting the case.

Waianae residents are reminded of the ongoing threat posed by illegal firearms and drug trafficking within their community. The DOJ USAO in Hawaii continues its efforts to combat such crimes through aggressive law enforcement measures.