A convicted felon, out on parole, was arrested recently in a drug bust in which Kauai Police Department officers confiscated several ounces of crystal methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a weapon.
The arrests were the result of a Nov. 29 incident at the Aloha Beach Resort (formerly Kauai Resort and Holiday Inn), where the Wailua River meets the ocean. Police continue to investigate the incident.
Zahn Bandmann, 28, of Lihu’e, was charged with violating his parole and remains in police custody without bail at the Kauai Community Correctional Center.
Bandmann was arrested on charges of possessing drugs, a weapon, drug paraphernalia, wrongful place to keep a weapon, assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest. Bandmann was in possession of several ounces of crystal methamphetamine, “ice,” which has a street value of about $4,500 per ounce, according to county prosecutors.
He was booked for a parole violation to hold him without bail until a parole hearing, which must be done within six months. In the meantime, the prosecutor’s office will review the charges for possible grand jury, and federal, involvement.
Also arrested on drug possession charges was Chad Ishii, 28, of Lawa’i; he was later released with no charges or pending court date.
Laola Campos, 20, of Lihu’e, was arrested and charged with drug possession, credit card theft and forgery. She had made unauthorized charges to her mother’s credit card to rent a room at the hotel, according to prosecutors.
Some charges may be dropped if Campos accepts a plea offer from the prosecutor’s office, according to deputy prosecutor Craig De Costa. She waived a preliminary hearing Dec. 5 and is scheduled to appear Dec. 12.
Staff Writer Paul C. Curtis can be reached at mailto:pcurtis@pulitzer.net or 245-3681 (ext. 224). Staff Writer Kendyce Manguchei can be reached at kmanguchei@pulitzer.net or 245-3681 (ext. 252).
