Maliu Tauheluhelu, 40, of Honolulu, has been sentenced to over 16 years in federal prison for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy and operating illegal gambling businesses, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii announced.
Tauheluhelu pleaded guilty on February 15, 2024, admitting to working with co-defendants Maafu Pani, Touanga Niu, and Desmond Morris to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine from 2020 to 2022. He also operated illegal gambling businesses across Oahu and Maui during the same period.
“This sentence underscores our commitment to holding those who traffic dangerous drugs and run illegal gambling operations accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson. “These criminal enterprises fuel violence and undermine the safety of our community.”
The drug trafficking conspiracy involved multi-pound shipments of methamphetamine and cocaine to be distributed throughout Hawaii, including on Maui. Additionally, Tauheluhelu managed multiple gambling establishments, including one at 980 Queen Street and a “VIP room” inside his Staxx Sports Bar & Grill in Waianae.
His co-defendants also pleaded guilty and were sentenced earlier in 2024. Pani received a 192-month prison sentence, Niu was sentenced to 30 months, and Morris received 72 months.
