LIHU‘E — A Kapa‘a man accused of arson began his defense this week after being charged with setting fire to his own truck last month. Samiuela Moala, 41, made his first appearance before 5th Circuit Chief Judge Randal Valenciano on
LIHU‘E — A Kapa‘a man accused of arson began his defense this week after being charged with setting fire to his own truck last month.
Samiuela Moala, 41, made his first appearance before 5th Circuit Chief Judge Randal Valenciano on Monday. He entered a not-guilty plea on charges of first-degree arson and reckless endangerment.
Moala was arrested on Oct. 24 after allegedly setting fire to his own pick-up truck around 1:19 p.m. at Kapa‘a Beach Park. No injuries were reported, but the fire caused extensive damage to the truck and a motorist parked nearby moved his vehicle away from the flames.
State Public Defender Stephanie Sato entered a plea of not guilty and the case was set for trial in the normal course. The trial date is set for March 5. Bail was set at $20,000.
Sato requested that a Tongan interpreter be available for all future hearings.
County Deputy Prosecutor John Murphy represented the state.
The arson charge was for intentionally or knowingly setting fire to the vehicle and putting people in danger of death or bodily injury. The reckless endangerment charge was for placing the driver of the nearby car in danger of death or serious bodily injury.
Moala was arrested close to the scene. He remains in police custody unable to post bail.
