×

Man allegedly pours gasoline around home

WAILUKU — A Wailuku man was arrested Wednesday morning after he poured gasoline around a residence and threatened to burn it down while three people were inside, police said.

Piikoi Kahalehau Kekona, 24, was charged with attempted first-degree arson and first-degree terroristic threatening.

During the defendant’s initial appearance Thursday in Wailuku District Court, Deputy Prosecutor Jeffery Temas asked that Kahalehau Kekona’s bail be increased from the $11,000 set by police to no bail or $100,000.

At about 6:50 a.m. Wednesday, Kahalehau Kekona began yelling profanities and throwing rocks at the home on Kaae Road in Wailuku, then began pouring gasoline onto the residence and the surrounding area, according to police.

The defendant “was threatening to set that structure on fire and kill those who were inside,” Temas said.

Police arrested Kahalehau Kekona in front of the house shortly afterward.

“What’s most disconcerting is this defendant is presently on felony-level probation,” Temas said.

Court records show Kahalehau Kekona was placed on four years’ probation in August for unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle.

Temas said that, in addition to being a danger to the community, Kahalehau Kekona was a flight risk. He told police that if he ran, police would never find him, Temas said.

“We’re taking his word for that,” Temas said, noting it took three months to arrest him on a warrant alleging he violated his probation. He was served with the warrant Wednesday when he was arrested.

Kahalehau Kekona asked for bail to be maintained or reduced.

He is a Maui native and has been working as a roofer, said Deputy Public Defender Gustavo Gonzalez.

Judge Keith Tanaka increased Kahalehau Kekona’s bail to $50,000. He was ordered to have no contact with the three people in the house and to stay away from the area.

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

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
     
Support Local Journalism on Maui

Only $99/year

Subscribe Today