HONOLULU — The Lihu‘e postal worker charged with selling unregistered guns was arraigned in federal court on Friday, and will be granted condition release while awaiting trial. Troy Haruki Hamura, 51, of Lihu‘e, was arrested July 25 on a federal
HONOLULU — The Lihu‘e postal worker charged with selling unregistered guns was arraigned in federal court on Friday, and will be granted condition release while awaiting trial.
Troy Haruki Hamura, 51, of Lihu‘e, was arrested July 25 on a federal complaint related to selling unregistered guns that were shipped through the U.S. Postal Service. He was indicted Friday on two felony counts of possessing a machine-gun and for making a false statement in connection with the purchase of a firearm.
The Department of Justice reported that federal agents recovered 19 unregistered firearms from Hamura’s Lihu‘e residence on June 14, including a fully automatic machine gun. Agents also recovered 30 registered firearms and 23,000 rounds of ammunition that do not form the basis of the charges.
Hamura, who is currently held in cell block at the U.S. Marshall Service on O‘ahu, appeared with his private attorney Keith S. Shigetomi.
Judge Kevin S. C. Chang presided over the hearing and set a trial date of Oct. 16. A federal trial has to set within 60 days.
Chief Judge Susan Oki Mollway is scheduled to preside over the trial.
A motion for conditional release was sent back at Hamura’s initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Richard L. Puglisi in U.S. District Court on July 27.
Judge Chang granted conditional release on Friday, following testimony from Hamura’s treating physician from Kaua‘i, according to Shigetomi. The bail status remains the same with a $25,000 unsecured bond.
“Although there was a mental health history and issues the treating psychologist said he did not exhibit signs of dangerousness,” Shigetomi said.
The conditions are that Hamura continues to meet with his mental health team and follow any recommendations. He will remain in custody until bed space is available at a halfway house, Shigetomi said.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Brady appeared for Tracy Hino. They had sought to detain Hamura without bail.
Court documents filed in connection with the case disclosed that Hamura, a U.S. Postal Service employee, ordered a rifle from a Florida gun dealer using a federal firearms license without the licensee’s permission. The gun dealer shipped the rifle to a Kaua‘i licensee through the Postal Service, and Hamura obtained the parcel containing the rifle, which he sold without ever registering it, according to a DOJ news release.
If convicted, Hamura faces a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Postal Service, the Office of Inspector General and the Kaua‘i Police Department.
“We cooperated completely with law enforcement officials’ investigation of this case in order to ensure the safety and security of our employees, customers and the mail,” said Duke Gonzales, a communications specialist with the U.S. Postal Service.
Postal regulations state that firearms are non mailable unless mailed by a licensed manufacturer of firearms, a licensed dealer of firearms or an authorized agent of the federal government or government of a state, territory or district. They may only be addressed to an authorized person for use in official duties and upon filing the required affidavit or certificate.
Postal Service employees specifically authorized by the Chief Postal Inspector are allowed with an affidavit or certificate signed by the addressee who is a U.S. enforcement agency and their head of agency.
Manufacturers or dealers must complete a Statement by Shipper of Firearms and file with the postmaster.
