Task force rounds up
64 fugitives on Maui
A task force of federal, state and county law enforcement officials arrested 64 of Maui's "most wanted" fugitives during a three-week operation dubbed "Operation Kaulike Maui," U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo announced yesterday.
"We are removing those repeat offenders who lived in your community, and we are removing those bad elements who repeatedly preyed on your families, your homes and your neighborhoods," Kubo said.
The operation resulted in 64 arrests and the seizure of four weapons, 12.3 ounces of crystal methamphetamine, 18 marijuana plants and other drug paraphernalia, Kubo said.
Kaulike in Hawaiian means "justice," said U.S. Marshal Mark Hanohano, who directed the operation that took place from Aug. 1-23.
The task force had targeted 109 fugitives.
"For too long, the fugitives we targeted and captured felt that justice meant they could victimize and terrorize the island of Maui," Hanohano added.
Altogether, the individuals who were arrested committed more than 1,000 crimes in Hawaii and have been convicted almost 400 times.
The arrests have led to two federal drug cases and one pending federal firearm case.
Of the individuals, Alan Vegas and Elvis Matagi had the most extensive criminal histories, Hanohano said.
Matagi has 16 felony convictions including negligent homicide, theft and assault. Vegas was convicted eight times for weapons, terroristic threatening and escape.
Matagi was also the most difficult to catch, officials said.
Officials chased Matagi on dirt roads and through bushes in the mountain until he finally surrendered.
A total of 12 deputy U.S. marshals, four deputy sheriffs and 12 Maui police officers made up the team that "targeted, hunted and captured" the fugitives, Hanohano said.
Officials hope to apply similar operations to outer islands, but they declined to say what island would be targeted next.
"We don't want to give the bad guys warning," he said.
Oahu will not undergo a similar dragnet operation because it already has a number of day-to-day operations.
"This was our first time on Maui, but I can guarantee it won't be our last," Hanohano said.
"Those we did not capture this time, we will catch next time."
