Eddie P. Poai of Hilo recently pled guilty in federal court to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug-trafficking crimes.
Paoi pled guilty the day before he was set to begin trial. His sentencing is set for April 20, 2026, before United States District Judge Shanlyn A. S. Park.
Poai, who has prior felony convictions, was charged in connection with three incidents on Hawaii Island stretching from February 2021 to October 2022.
On February 11, 2021, Poai possessed over 90 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded Hi-Point .45 caliber pistol with an extended magazine. Police found the methamphetamine and loaded pistol in his truck after he departed the scene of a traffic stop.
On June 9, 2022, HPD Ooficers searched for Poai on a property in the Maku’u area, after seeing him flee from that property during prior attempted contacts. Officers found over 600 grams of methamphetamine on the property, along with fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, several thousand dollars, and numerous weapons, including a loaded Springfield .45 caliber pistol and an AR-15-style rifle.
On October 25, 2022, police searched for Poai on a property near Hawaiian Acres. Officers chased himon foot, ultimately arresting him and finding a loaded 9mm Taurus pistol and more than 11 grams of methamphetamine in his backpack. He also had several thousand dollars in his pocket.
Poai faces a maximum term of life in prison, with a combined mandatory minimum term of 20 years in prison as well as a term of supervised release of up to life, and a fine of up to $10,000,000.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hawaii Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeannette Graviss and Jonathan Slack are prosecuting the case.
The case was part of Operation Take Back America.
