A former federal corrections officer and inmate were among four people indicted yesterday for conspiring to smuggle in and deal crystal methamphetamine and marijuana at the Federal Detention Center.

The federal indictment names Akoni Sandoval Kapihe, a former corrections officer; inmate Robert Kupahu, and Keoki and Marlene Astronomo.

According to the indictment, Kupahu allegedly told his wife, Gabrielle, to purchase seven grams or more of crystal meth in August and September 2005. In addition, he told her that she would be receiving marijuana and cash in the mail from Marlene Astronomo, who allegedly had been instructed to send the items by her son, Keoki.

Gabrielle Kupahu allegedly concealed the drugs in containers and packages and gave them to Kapihe, who brought them into the Federal Detention Center.

KAPOLEI MAN HELD ON DRUG CHARGES

A 21-year-old Kapolei man is facing multiple charges stemming from the alleged sale of cocaine to police narcotics/vice personnel working an undercover operation.

The man was arrested Wednesday outside a fast-food restaurant in Kapolei on two counts of first-degree and one count of second-degree promotion of a dangerous drug. The ongoing drug operation targeting street-level dealers is in response to community complaints, police said.

WOMAN'S BODY FOUND IN STREAM

An unidentified body was found yesterday afternoon floating in a stream near Ulalena Loop in Ha'iku.

Police said the clothed body appeared to be that of a middle-aged Caucasian woman who had been dead several days. Police had yet to determine a likely cause of death.

JUDGE DISMISSES INMATE'S CHARGES

State Circuit Court Judge Virginia Crandall yesterday dismissed a second-degree assault charge against a 22-year-inmate who was accused of attacking guards at O'ahu Community Correctional Center.

The inmate, Michael Thomas, was accused of attacking guards on Nov. 28. Thomas alleged he was the one who was assaulted.

OCCC declined comment on the case.

Attorney Walter Rodby, who represented Thomas, said the charge should have never been pursued. Thomas, who was convicted on domestic violence charges, is currently at Halawa Correctional Facility.

FORUM PRESENTS THREE CANDIDATES

Republican Gov. Linda Lingle, Democratic challenger Randall Iwase and Green Party candidate Jim Brewer are scheduled to appear at a forum for gubernatorial candidates from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday in the Kealakehe High School cafeteria.

The event is sponsored by the Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Kona Outdoor Circle and League of Women Voters. The candidates will answer questions from moderator Sherry Bracken, public affairs director of Skynet Hawaii.

The forum will be broadcast live on KKOA, KOA Country (107.7 FM), with sponsorship by West Hawaii Today and Hawaii Tribune-Herald. Questions for the candidates may be submitted via fax to (808) 443-0888 or e-mailed to sherryb@lava105.com.

STOLEN HYMNAL MACHINE SOUGHT

Big Island police are looking for a burglar who broke into a Ka'u home about a year ago and stole a hymnal machine used to produce church music.

Police said the items taken during the October 2005 burglary at Hawaiian Ranchos Subdivision included a black digital hymnal machine that looks like a briefcase with a zipper.

Anyone with information about the burglary or the digital hymnal machine is asked to call Detective Rio Amon-Wilkins of the West Hawai'i Criminal Investigations Section at 326-4646, ext. 277.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 329-8181 in Kona or 961-8300 in Hilo. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

FUNDRAISER FOR BAND'S JAPAN TRIP

The Kailua High School band will hold its annual steak dinner and silent auction fundraiser Oct. 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria.

Money raised will help fund the band's trip to Japan this spring and cover other band expenses.

Dinner consists of a grilled steak, rice, salad and dessert. Students are selling dinner tickets for $10 each. Food will be available for dining in or to take out.

Silent auction items will include rounds of golf, a portable DVD player and certificates for clothing, restaurants, and other area businesses. The auction closes promptly at 6:45 p.m. Bidders do not need to be present to win.

Call 261-1361 for dinner tickets and information.

PANIOLO EVENING TO RAISE FUNDS

American Cancer Society's seventh annual "Boots on the Beach" event is a paniolo evening featuring entertainer Dita Holifield and shopping with Cattle Chute at The Kahala Resort and Spa from 6 to 11 p.m. Nov. 3.

The event, inspired by friends and family of Patti Schuler, an American Cancer Society volunteer who died from cancer, supports programs and services for the Hawai'i chapter such as the childhood cancer program, the Road to Recovery, the Reach to Recovery, Look Good Feel Better and Hands on Healing.

Each year the event honors a cancer survivor, and this year's recognition goes to Ruth Aloni, a volunteer who began the Hands on Healing program, a support group for cancer patients that promotes healing through craft activities.

Tickets are limited. Interested people should call 595-7544.

SUSPECT ARRESTED IN CAR THEFT

A 39-year-old man was arrested Wednesday morning after he was spotted driving a stolen car on the North Shore.

A police officer first saw the man standing next to a blue Honda at Kawela Bay near the Turtle Bay resort. He said the man noticed him approaching, got into the Honda very quickly and drove off.

A second police officer pulled the car over at Waialua Beach Road and arrested the driver.

DEMOCRATS HOST BREAKFAST FORUM

State House District 17 Democrats will host a breakfast forum open to the public at 9 a.m. tomorrow at the Kuapa Isle Clubhouse, 156 'Opihikao Place.

Attending will be U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie; gubernatorial candidate Randy Iwase; lieutenant governor candidate Malama Solomon; A.J. Halagao, candidate for state Representative District 17 (Hawai'i Kai, Kalama Valley); and Frank Lockwood, candidate for state Senate District 25 (Kailua, Waimanalo, Hawai'i Kai). O'ahu County Democratic chairwoman Annelle Amaral will emcee the event.

For details, call 396-5959.

SUSPECT ARRESTED IN PIPE ATTACK

A 40-year-old man was arrested Wednesday afternoon after he allegedly beat a 20-year old man with a metal pipe.

Police were told that the two men got into a confrontation near the intersection of University Avenue and Kapi'olani Boulevard about 5:50 p.m. and that the older man beat the younger man with a pipe. The assailant then drove off.

The older man, who has nolocal address, was found on Olokele Avenue in Kapahulu and arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault as well as driving without a license.

GO OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD TOMORROW

O'ahu Arts Center is presenting a musical, "The Wizard of Oz," tomorrow night at Mililani Mauka Community Park.

The production is directed by Kristi Kashimoto, who has performed in musicals for more than 13 years in New York City and Hawai'i. Mililani Middle School sixth-grader Chloe Amos plays Dorothy.

The musical starts at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 per person and $10 for children, 17 and under. For details, call 848-7632 or visit www.oahuartscenter.org.

$2,500 GOES TO DAYCARE PROGRAM

First Hawaiian Bank Foundation has awarded $2,500 to Kaua'i Independent Daycare Services.

The money will support the Time For Me program, which offers children more time to develop physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively.