KAILUA-KONA — A Keaau man will stand trial on charges stemming from a traffic incident on Monday in South Kohala that closed a major intersection causing traffic to back up.
Third Circuit District Court Judge Margaret Masunaga on Thursday determined the state had probable cause to support charges of third-degree promoting a dangerous drug and disorderly conduct for failure to obey a police officer’s directions in traffic filed against Jason A.K. Mattos, 30, according to court records.
A criminal complaint filed by prosecutors said the drug charge was for methamphetamine.
Mattos was ordered to make his initial appearance in 3rd Circuit Court on June 16 where he will enter pleas to the two charges before Judge Melvin Fujino.
Court records indicate that Mattos was released after posting $2,250 bail.
Mattos was arrested Monday afternoon following the incident at the intersection of Daniel K. Inouye Highway and Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 190).
According to police, a driver observed a gray Ford F-350 at the stop sign not moving around 11:45 a.m.. Another man from a second vehicle exited his car and went to check on the driver who was sitting in the driver’s seat, allegedly with a firearm on his lap.
After police closed the intersection, Mattos, who was initially unresponsive to officers, allegedly exited the vehicle, stood in front of it and began chanting and playing a ukulele.
The incident closed the intersection for more than two hours, forcing West Hawaii drivers to find alternate routes.
Police later said no gun was located.