HONOLULU -- Hilo resident Roger Christie remains behind bars at the federal detention center.

He faces charges of drug trafficking stemming from his activities with his Cannabis Ministry. Federal agents arrested Christie and 13 others last month accused of running a drug distribution ring.

Trial had been set for Sept. 8 has now been postponed until April.

A crowd of about 200 gathered at Mooheau bandstand in Hilo Wednesday and marched on the federal building to protest the court’s decision to deny bail for Christie.

“I just saw last week where a drunk driver killed a woman in Kona. He was in the hospital and was released without bail without anything. They say Roger is a danger to the community so he can’t be released,” Robert Petricci said.

Christie and his church was the subject of a two year probe by federal agents. The 61-year-old Big Island resident claimed religious freedom even though the prosecutors say religious freedom does not apply to drug cases.

Christie claimed he administers the cannabis sacrament and that money that agents seized were derived from his church ministry.

Following his arrest this summer the government’s position was that Christie’s activities are a violation of the federal controlled substance act.

The crowd of Christie supporters marched through Hilo to the federal building to protest the decision to keep Christie behind bars.

“I don't believe that’s constitutional. I think everyone in Hawaii should be concerned,“ Petricci said.