Preliminary hearings set for 2 charged in Kona arson

KEALAKEKUA — Two people charged with intentionally lighting a fire at a Kona courthouse and threatening a group of teenagers will have preliminary hearings next week following their initial court appearances Thursday.

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

Both were allegedly involved in an arson March 3 at the Kona Drug Court building, the same day Banagan was scheduled to be sentenced on a probation violation.

They also were reportedly involved in threatening teenagers Sunday at the scenic overlook on Kamehameha III Drive. After being arrested for the threatening offense, they were later charged with the arson.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sheri Lawson asked that Banagan be detained without bond, citing prior convictions for shooting a man in the chest in 2014, probation violation and violation of bail conditions.

She is being detained on $1 million bond.

Judge Margaret Masunaga set the preliminary hearing for both defendants for 2:30 p.m. Monday. Judge Andrew Wilson will hear arguments about detaining Banagan without bail at that time.

Judge Melvin Fujino, who sits at the courthouse damaged by the fire, recused himself from the cases, Lawson said.

Banagan’s second count of terroristic threatening comes from an upgrade of the criminal property damage charge involved in the arson case, Lawson testified.

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

Lindo is also charged with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle for allegedly driving a stolen truck seen at the arson scene.

Lindo, who as no prior criminal convictions, is being detained on $400,000 bail.

Email Graham Milldrum at gmilldrum@westhawaiitoday.com.