Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 33 year-old Travis Kekaulike Canda-Tripp of Puna was charged in relation to the theft of a Toyota Tacoma that was originally reported stolen from the parking lot of the Ho‘olulu Park Complex in Hilo on March 7, 2022.

As the Complaint alleges, Canda-Tripp, a persistent offender with 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 5 years in prison.

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

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.

Photo credit: Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office