A 33-year-old Pepeekeo man is facing drug and firearms offenses following an incident Wednesday afternoon in Hilo.
Shortly after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, South Hilo Patrol officers were conducting beat checks at Malama Park on Mamaki Street in Hilo. As officers entered the parking lot, a dark-colored sedan with dark tint began to leave the area, according to the Hawaii Police Department. Officers stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation.
When officers contacted the driver, he appeared to be fidgeting and attempting to conceal something near his legs. Officers then observed a pistol affixed below the steering column area. Glen D. Phillips-Panui was then ordered out of the vehicle and arrested. The vehicle was recovered as evidence and towed to the South Hilo Police station.
Detectives with the Area I Criminal Investigation Section obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. The search reportedly yielded an unregistered loaded 9mm pistol, 9mm ammunition, approximately 3.4 grams of methamphetamine, a minute amount of marijuana, and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia, according to police.
After conferring with prosecutors, Phillips-Panui was charged with
place to keep pistol/revolver, carrying or possessing a loaded firearm on highway, two counts of place to keep ammunition, and third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug. His bail was set at $13,000 pending an initial court appearance.