WAILUKU - A 19-year-old man was sentenced Thursday to a one-year jail term for starting a fire at a homeless camp in north Kihei earlier this year.
James Michael Clancy also was placed on five years' probation.
"He placed the north Kihei community at risk," Deputy Prosecutor Jeffery Temas said, noting that the Jan. 19 fire was set in a heavily wooded area bordered by businesses, condominiums and homes.
That day, in the area just north of the old Suda Store, a witness heard a loud boom and saw Clancy adding items to a fire he started, Temas said. He said Clancy ran when he saw the witness.
"The witnesses placed themselves in danger to assist in extinguishing the fire until the Fire Department arrived," Temas said.
He said Clancy admitted to setting the fire for "personal reasons," which may have stemmed from his being asked not to return to the camp.
Clancy had pleaded no contest to third-degree arson and second-degree reckless endangering.
A plea agreement between the defense and prosecution called for Clancy to be released from jail Thursday.
Deputy Public Defender Adriel Menor said Clancy has plans to reconnect with his family and seek services in the community.
Clancy said he was willing to follow whatever conditions the court imposed.
Although Clancy asked to be released Thursday after spending about four months in jail, 2nd Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza said Clancy needed to organize a plan for his release.
The judge said Clancy has a history of not following court orders. While released on supervision earlier this year, Clancy didn't report in 10 times and was eventually jailed.
Clancy also needs drug rehabilitation, Cardoza said.
"You've got so much work to do," the judge said. "Forget about this idea of getting out right now."
Clancy was ordered to write a letter apologizing to the community.
* Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.
