At about 1:40 p.m., West Hawaii patrol and vice officers, with the help of FBI agents, executed a search warrant at Hokukano Ranch, where an estimated 800 people were in attendance, according to police.
Police said 14 live chickens and chicken boxes were seized, along with extensive cockfighting paraphernalia, four dead chickens, three unregistered loaded pistols, ammunition, and a loaded .22 caliber long rifle.
Police also allegedly confiscated small amounts of cocaine and marijuana, as well as $8,000 and two pickup trucks for forfeiture.
Officers arrested and charged:
• Chaddy Aukai, 23, of Ocean View for illegally carrying a firearm and possession of a ghost gun — a firearm without a serial number. His bail was set at $4,000.
• James Medeiros, 32, of Waimea for third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug. His bail was set at $2,000.
• Kapono Hookahi, 31, of Waimea for illegally carrying a firearm and ammunition. His bail was set at $2,500.
• Eizan-James Medeiros, 21, of Waimea for two counts of illegally carrying a firearm, plus possession of a ghost gun. His bail was set at $12,000.
All men posted bail and are scheduled to appear on April 6 in Kona District Court.
Police say the investigation into this operation and its organizers is ongoing and ask that anyone with information about the event to please contact Detective Grad Elarionoff at (808) 326-4646 ext. 312, or Grad.Elarionoff@hawaiicounty.gov.
Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.