Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Puna man, 33 year-old Travis Kekaulike Canda-Tripp was charged in relation to the theft of a Toyota Tacoma that was originally reported stolen on March 7th from the parking lot of the Ho‘olulu Park Complex in Hilo.

As the Complaint alleges, Canda-Tripp, a persistent offender with six (6) prior felony convictions, was charged with Theft in the Second Degree (exert unauthorized control of a Toyota Tacoma, valued more than $750, with intent to deprive the owner of the Toyota Tacoma), Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree (operating a Toyota Tacoma without the owner’s consent), two counts of Habitual Property Crime, two counts of Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any amount of methamphetamine), and Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia. With the exception of the Prohibited Acts Related to Drug Paraphernalia charge, the remaining charges are all class C felony offenses which carry a maximum penalty of five (5) years in prison.

Review of court minutes indicates that at the time of the alleged offenses, Canda-Tripp was out on bond for five (5) other unrelated pending felony matters. Canda-Tripp is also scheduled to appear for sentencing in three (3) of those cases on April 5, 2022 in Hilo Circuit Court.

Canda-Tripp will make his initial appearance on these new charges on Monday in Hilo District Court. He remains in custody in lieu of $60,000.00 bail.

The investigation was handled by South Hilo Patrol, Puna Patrol, and the Area I Vice Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

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