Man charged with arson in Volcano house fire

JUSTIN MICHAEL BARDWELL
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Police arrested a 32-year-old man wanted for the arson last month of a vacation rental home on Pukeawe Circle in Volcano Golf and Country Club subdivision in Volcano.

Justin Michael Bardwell was charged Friday with second-degree arson for the Nov. 17 incident.

Hawaii Fire Department personnel responded and were able to extinguish the fire and minimize damage to the residence. However, many of the contents were destroyed.

Police detectives also responded to the scene and during the course of the investigation identified Bardwell as the suspect. An all-points bulletin was issued, but Bardwell remained at large until his arrest Friday at the Old Kona Airport Park in Kailua-Kona.

Bardwell’s bail was set at $10,000 and his initial appearance is set for Monday in Hilo District Court.

Anyone with information about the incident to call the police non-emergency line at 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.