Man accused in fatal fire made statements about involvement

The man accused of starting a fire at a Pearl City home that killed a 97-year-old woman last month made statements about his involvement after police arrested him, Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro said.

An Oahu grand jury returned an indictment today charging Michael P. Dahilig, 35, with manslaughter for the March 30 death of Betty Hagihara. The indictment also charges Dahilig with arson, burglary, attempted burglary and possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. 

Dahilig remains in custody unable to post $1 million.

Kaneshiro said there is a strong likelihood that he will personally handle Dahilig’s prosecution.