Arson preliminary hearings continued

KEALAKEKUA — Two people charged with intentionally setting a fire at Big Island Drug Court opted to continue their preliminary hearings Monday to give their attorneys more time to prepare.

Randi-Keli Banagan, 24, of Captain Cook, and Kainoa Lindo, 22, of Honaunau, are both charged with first-degree arson, conspiracy to commit arson, first-degree criminal property damage and two counts of first-degree terroristic threatening.

The charges stem from two incidents. One was a fire that damaged a door and wall at the courthouse on March 3 and the other was when Banagan allegedly threatened a person on March 20 at the scenic overlook on Kamehameha III Road while Lindo was driving the vehicle they used.

The courthouse fire happened on the same day Banagan was scheduled to be sentenced on a probation violation by Judge Melvin Fujino, who sits at that courthouse.

Fujino, who was present in the courthouse when the fire began, declined comment, because the case is still ongoing.

The public defenders office removed itself from the case due to conflicts related to current and ongoing cases and asked for attorneys to be appointed. James Biven was appointed for Banagan and Robert Kim was appointed for Lindo. Both attorneys told the court they would need more time to prepare for the hearing.

This also delays a motion by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sheri Lawson to hold Banagan without bond. Banagan’s bond is currently set at $1 million.

Banagan is also charged with revocation of probation, as she was on probation from a 2014 Holualoa shooting that injured a man.

Lindo’s bond is $400,000. Lindo is separately charged with unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle for having a stolen truck at the arson scene.

Both remain in custody.

Both will appear before Kona District Court Judge Andrew Wilson at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Big Island Drug Court building. The fire-damaged door has since been replaced and damage to the wall painted over.