Kona Man Charged Following Investigation Into THC Vape Devices

Hawai‘i Island police have charged an 18-year-old Kailua-Kona man following an investigation into the importation of vape-type devices containing THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.

On Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Vice Section initiated the investigation in Kona. Three days later, on Monday, Nov. 17, Vice officers executed a search warrant at an apartment building on the 73-4100 block of Ulu Wini Place in Kailua-Kona. During the search, officers recovered 2,584 grams of marijuana concentrate contained in 400 vape-type devices, as well as 180 grams of processed marijuana.

Pablo Santoyo was arrested at the scene for first-degree promotion of a detrimental drug. After conferring with the Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Vice officers charged Santoyo with:

• First-degree promotion of a detrimental drug
• First-degree promotion of a harmful drug

The Prosecutor’s Office recommended that Santoyo be released on his own recognizance.

The Hawai‘i Police Department remains committed to partnering with the community to improve the quality of life for island residents and maintain a safe environment for all. Anyone with information about suspicious or illegal drug activity is encouraged to call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or the department’s “ICE” hotline at (808) 329-0423.

Anyone with information related to this specific incident may contact Officer Michael Collings of the Vice Section at (808) 326-4646, ext 226, or via email at michael.collings@hawaiipolice.gov.

Mugshot not available at this time.