Maliu Tauheluhelu, a 40-year-old resident of Honolulu, has been sentenced to over 16 years in federal prison for his involvement in drug trafficking and illegal gambling operations. The sentencing was delivered by U.S. District Judge Jill A. Otake, who imposed a 200-month imprisonment term followed by five years of supervised release. Tauheluhelu had previously pleaded guilty to charges related to distributing methamphetamine and cocaine and operating illegal gambling businesses.
Tauheluhelu's activities included collaborating with co-defendants Maafu Pani, Touanga Niu, and Desmond Morris between 2020 and 2022 to distribute drugs across Hawaii. He managed the acquisition and distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine on Oahu, extending the network to Maui as well.
In addition to drug trafficking, Tauheluhelu was involved in running illegal gambling operations on Oahu and Maui. Notable locations included an establishment at 980 Queen Street and a "VIP room" within Staxx Sports Bar & Grill in Waianae.
His co-defendants also faced legal consequences earlier in 2024. Pani received a sentence of 192 months, Niu was sentenced to 30 months, and Morris received a sentence of 72 months for their participation in the conspiracy.
Acting U.S. Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson commented on the case: “This sentence demonstrates that those who traffic dangerous drugs and operate illegal game rooms will face serious consequences.” He emphasized the commitment to holding criminal enterprises accountable for their impact on communities.
FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter highlighted the collaborative efforts leading to this outcome: “Yesterday’s sentencing reflects years of collaboration among multiple law enforcement agencies to dismantle a dangerous criminal organization.”
Maui Chief of Police John Pelletier expressed gratitude towards federal partners: “Our collective efforts send a clear and decisive message: criminal enterprises that exploit and endanger our communities should think twice.”
The prosecution was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aimed at disrupting high-level criminal networks through coordinated efforts among various law enforcement agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Nammar led the prosecution effort with investigative support from several agencies including the FBI, Maui Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and Drug Enforcement Administration.