DOH, PSD CONDUCT COORDINATED OPERATIONS TO EXECUTE SEARCH WARRANTS, EMBARGO PRODUCTS AT PINKY’S HEMPIRE

News Release from Hawaii DoH, Jun 24, 2022

HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) and Hawaiʻi Department of Public Safety (PSD) conducted coordinated operations to execute search warrants and embargo products at multiple Pinky’s Hempire locations.

The PSD Narcotics Enforcement Division (NED), with the assistance of the Honolulu Police Department and State Sheriffs, executed search warrants at Pinky’s Hempire stores located at 1013 Maunakea Street in Downtown Honolulu and 209 Kaiulani Avenue in Waikiki. State Narcotics Agents arrested two individuals. One individual was arrested on two counts of Promoting a Harmful Drug in the second degree and two counts of Promoting a Detrimental Drug in the second degree. The second individual was arrested on one count of Promoting a Harmful Drug in the second degree. They were released pending investigation. Individuals charged with a crime are considered innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.

“The Department of Public Safety Sheriffs and NED teamed up with the Department of Health to crack down on businesses that engage in alleged illegal activity,” said Jordan Lowe, PSD Deputy Director for Law Enforcement. “We want to make sure businesses fully understand the consequences they face when they knowingly disregard the law”.

DOH Food and Drug Branch staff embargoed all remaining product at the two stores as it was deemed to be a potential health hazard. DOH received two reports of illness.

“We want to make clear that unlawful activity will not be tolerated,” said Lori Nagatoshi, DOH Food and Drug Branch Program Manager. “We thank our law enforcement partners who share our mission in protecting Hawaiʻi residents.”

PSD Narcotics Enforcement executed search warrants at two Pinky’s Hempire locations

DOH staff inventory products for embargo

Click here to download photos (Courtesy DOH/PSD)

# # #

2016: Almost 500 people connected with more than 50 entities sought approval to run dispensaries, including lawyers, lobbyists and politicians.

HNN: Results: Levels of THC in edibles at Waikiki stores more potent than those sold at dispensaries

HNN: Ex-workers make troubling allegations about Waikiki hemp shop, including that teen customer got sick

SA Off the News: Hemp shouldn’t get you high

SA: 2 arrested for alleged drug offenses at Pinky’s Hempire in Honolulu

KITV: 2 arrested, products seized after search warrants executed at Honolulu Pinky's Hempire locations