Man pleads guilty to 7 counts of arson
A 47-year-old Moiliili man accused of setting a series of fires in May 2011 pleaded guilty in state court Wednesday to seven counts of arson.
Thomas Chong faces a maximum 10-year prison term at sentencing in April.
He could have faced maximum 20-year prison terms for five of the counts, 10-year terms for two and a one-year term for the seventh under his original charges. His plea deal with the prosecutor reduced the five 20-year charges and eliminated the possibility of him getting all of the penalties stacked back-to-back, doubled or extended.
Chong pleaded guilty to setting fire to a car in the parking garage of a Makiki apartment complex on May 10, 2011. The fire damaged two units above and a hedge.
Police said Chong also tried to light fires to the doorways of two apartments while people were sleeping inside.
"It was a jealousy thing involving his ex-girlfriend and a couple of guys who were helping her out so she wouldn’t be homeless," said Michael Green, Chong’s lawyer.
Chong also pleaded guilty to setting more fires at two homes on Tantalus 10 days later. The residents said Chong’s ex-girlfriend was staying there at the time.
Comments sought on Army proposal
The Army is asking the public to comment on its plans to study marine life near Makua Valley where commanders want to resume live-fire training.
The plan is available on the U.S. Army Garrison, Hawaii, website and at Waianae, Kapolei and Waialua public libraries.
People may also comment at a Feb. 20 public meeting at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School.
Man sentenced for sex assault
A judge has sentenced a Maui man to 20 years in prison for sexually assaulting a girl over a five-year period.
The Maui News reported that Eddie Garcia, 38, of Kihei pleaded no contest last week to the continuous sexual assault of a child under the age of 14.
The abuse occurred between February 2005 and February 2010, as well as on Aug. 19, 2010.
Circuit Judge Richard Bissen described Garcia as an "egotistical manipulator" and the worst offender he has encountered in more than 25 years at court.
Prosecutor John D. Kim said Garcia began abusing the girl when she was 10 and started having intercourse with her at 12.
Before his sentencing, Garcia tried unsuccessfully to withdraw his no-contest pleas.
His attorney, Chris Dunn, said Garcia plans to appeal the court’s ruling that he could not withdraw his pleas.
Input sought on system fee
The Kauai Department of Water will hold its final community meeting Friday in Kilauea on possible changes to its water system development fee, which is paid by new water users and by existing users who need additional water.
The fee, which has not changed in nearly 10 years, covers the cost of increasing capacity through new water sources and storage and transmission pipelines.
The meeting will be Friday from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Kilauea Neighborhood Center. Special accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Call 245-5408 or visit the office at 4398 Pua Loke St. in Lihue.
