Pot patch investigation results in 3 arrests

Three Big Island men were charged Wednesday in connection with an eight-month investigation into commercial outdoor marijuana-growing operations in North Kona.

Matthew Ferino, 31, and Kyle Kapuniai, 25, both of Puulani Estates, and Weston Dorris, 32, of Waimea were arrested at 3:30 a.m. Tuesday after they returned to their truck with marijuana, which police saw them harvesting.

The three men were each charged with commercial promotion of marijuana. They were also charged with other drug violations.

Vice officers monitored a marijuana patch in the Kiholo area off Queen Kaahumanu Highway on Tuesday and observed the three men tending their marijuana plants for about three hours.

Police recovered more marijuana plants from two other outdoor growing locations in Puuanahulu between the 18- and 24-mile markers on Route 190.

Police said investigators linked the suspects to the other two sites.

Police recovered 598 marijuana plants from 10 inches to 3 feet tall during this investigation.

Police also found about four pounds of dried marijuana valued at about $20,000 and 3.3 grams of suspected hashish in two homes in Kaloko and Puuanahulu.

Water tanks, pumps, hoses and grow pots also were recovered.

More than $1,000 in cash and three vehicles were seized for possible forfeiture.

Police began the investigation last summer after officers spotted one of the marijuana patches from the air during a marijuana eradication mission.

Police located the other growing sites during additional aerial reconnaissance flights.