Puna man faces car theft, drug charges

CANDA-TRIPP
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A 33-year-old Puna man is facing charges in connection to the theft of a Toyota Tacoma reported stolen March 7 from the parking lot of the Hoolulu Park Complex in Hilo.

Travis Kekaulike Canda-Tripp is charged with second-degree theft, unauthorized control of a stolen vehicle, two counts each of methamphetamine possession and habitual property crime, plus possession of drug paraphernalia.

All but the drug paraphernalia charge are Class C felonies that carry a potential five-year prison sentence, upon conviction.

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

According to County Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen, Canda-Tripp was out on bond on five pending unrelated felonies when arrested. He’s scheduled to appear for sentencing in three of those cases on April 5 in Hilo Circuit Court.

Waltjen said Canda-Tripp is a persistent offender with six prior felony convictions.