Man pleads guilty to courthouse fire

KAILUA-KONA — The man seen on film March 3 throwing accelerant on a Kona courthouse, then igniting it, has agreed to a plea agreement.

Kainoa Lindo, 23, of Honaunau pleaded guilty to second-degree arson Monday.

The plea agreement calls for 18 months in jail with four years of probation. Additionally, Lindo will be required to perform 350 hours of public service and write letters of apology to both people who were in the courthouse at the time of the fire.

Lindo was charged with first-degree arson, conspiracy to commit arson, first-degree criminal property damage and two counts of first-degree terroristic threatening in connection with the arson case and a later incident in which he was a party to three victims allegedly being accosted.

March 3 was when Lindo’s co-defendant, Randi-Keli Banagan, faced sentencing on a probation violation. According to statements by attorneys, she seemed certain Circuit Judge Melvin Fujino would sentence her to prison for the offense.

After the fire was ignited at about 7 a.m., passersby put it out using fire extinguishers before first responders arrived. Two employees were inside the building when the fire was set, but no injuries were reported. After the fire, Lindo and Banagan were involved in an incident where Banagan allegedly threatened three teenagers at the scenic overlook on King Kamehameha III Road while Lindo served as the driver.

Part of the plea agreement calls for Lindo to testify, if necessary, against Banagan and an uncharged third party, whom prosecutors say was present at the scene of the fire.

Second-degree arson carries a maximum of 10 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.

Both defendants have their cases before 2nd Circuit Court Judge Rhonda Loo since Big Island judges recused themselves from the case.

Lindo’s sentencing is slated for 1 p.m. April 24.

Banagan had a pre-trial conference Oct. 17, during which she had her trials moved to April 4 and April 11.

Email Graham Milldrum at gmilldrum@westhawaiitoday.com.