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Bail increased in arson, threatening case

Robert Hartmann – Bail bumped up to $60,000

WAILUKU — Bail was increased to $60,000 for a Wailuku man who was arrested last week for allegedly trying to set fire to a house on Iao Valley Road and threatening several people.

Robert Hartmann, 57, who was renting a cottage nearby, was ordered Monday to stay away from the residence. He is charged with two counts of attempted first-degree arson and six counts of first-degree terroristic threatening.

While the prosecution sought the increased bail during Hartmann’s initial appearance in Wailuku District Court, Hartmann asked to have his bail reduced from $11,000 to $10,000. He has lived on Maui since 1986 and receives public assistance, said Deputy Public Defender Brad Sova.

Deputy Prosecutor Lewis Littlepage said Hartmann has 12 criminal convictions, including two for felony charges of first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and second-degree escape. He also has convictions for second-degree assault on a law enforcement officer, abuse, disorderly conduct, harassment, contempt of court, resisting arrest, third-degree theft and fourth-degree theft, Littlepage said.

His most recent conviction was in 2005, Littlepage said.

Police were called at about 9:30 p.m. Thursday after Hartmann reportedly threatened neighbors and visitors, saying, “I’m going to shoot all of you, I’m going to stab you, I’m going to kill all of you” and “I will set the house on fire,” according to an affidavit filed in court to support the charges.

Witnesses reported Hartmann was seen in the back of his unit pouring something that was later determined to be lighter fluid shortly before flames were seen. He also was seen trying to set window curtains on fire, pouring lighter fluid on the floor and threatening to light it, police said.

In a petition for a temporary restraining order filed in court Friday, two residents reported that Hartmann had a knife, accelerant and lighter while threatening to burn down their house.

Judge Blaine Kobayashi granted the prosecution’s request to increase Hartmann’s bail to $60,000.

* Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.

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