Man charged with arson in Wailuku fire

WAILUKU — A 42-yearold man was arrested for allegedly starting a brush fire last month that spread to a building on Wili Pa Loop in Wailuku.

Kawika Rosaga was charged with second-degree arson and fourth-degree arson.

During his initial appearance Wednesday in Wailuku District Court, Rosaga asked to be released on supervision or to have his bail reduced.

Deputy Prosecutor Jeffery Temas asked for bail to be increased from $10,000 to $50,000.

“What the state is concerned about is dangerousness to the community,” Temas said.

He said there was evidence showing Rosaga set the brush fire that caused $3,000 in damage to a field as well as a building and kayak at 1843 Wili Pa Loop.

“In that building was not only property, but a person was sleeping,” Temas said.

The fire, reported at 9:50 p.m. Sept. 17, burned less than a quarter-acre of brush behind Wili Pa Loop before it was contained at 10:40 p.m. and extinguished at 11:41 p.m., according to the Maui Fire Department.

Temas said Rosaga was seen with a gold “grenade” torch lighter and after starting the fire, watched as it burned.

“He was almost dressed as if he was on a mission,” wearing camouflage pants and a black shirt, Temas said.

“We have to think about California as an example,” Temas said, referring to wildfires burning thousands of acres there. “He’s placed the community at risk.”

Deputy Public Defender David Pullman objected to the comparison, saying, “This is not California.”

Judge Keith Tanaka denied Rosaga’s request for release and kept bail at $10,000.

Tanaka said he was concerned about the danger to the community and property.

While not in California, “we are in drought conditions,” Tanaka said.

Rosaga has 19 prior convictions, including three for contempt of court, Temas said.