Man caught in drug sting faces life term
A Hawaii federal jury has convicted a California man of distributing meth, possession of crystal meth with the intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
U.S. Attorney Florence Nakakuni said Alan L. Mapuatuli, 44, was convicted Friday after an undercover transaction with an informant involving a pound of methamphetamine. The trial took nine days and less than one day of deliberations in U.S. District Court.
After searching Mapuatuli’s car, officials found the cellphone he used to communicate with the informant, a black backpack containing 6 ounces of crystal meth, $15,975 in cash, a loaded .45 caliber pistol, and another bag that contained an additional pound of crystal meth. Mapuatuli faces a mandatory life term without parole when he is sentenced by U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson.
CSI Camp seeks high school applicants
WAILUKU » The Maui Police Department is giving 12 high school students an opportunity to learn about crime scene investigations.
The department is accepting applications for its CSI Camp created for high school juniors and seniors.
The camp is scheduled for June 22-26. Topics will include crime scene photography, testing for blood, bullet trajectory, fingerprinting and autopsies.
The application deadline is April 17.
Session will teach business organization
The Maui Office of Economic Development is holding a workshop Wednesday on how people can organize their businesses.
"Chaos to Carefree — 5 Steps to Optimize Your Business and Affect Your Bottom Line" by instructor Gylian Solay will be held from noon to 1:15 p.m. at the Maui County Business Resource Center, in the Maui Mall across from Pizza Hut in Suite B-9.
Seating is limited, and all workshops are subject to change or cancellation.
To reserve a seat, call the Maui County Business Resource Center at 873-8247.
