ATG NEWS RELEASE: Accused Iolani Palace vandal indicted
Posted on Jun 1, 2017 in Latest Department News
HONOLULU – Attorney General Doug Chin announced that an Oahu grand jury indicted Michael Aquino today on felony criminal property damage counts related to alleged vandalism that occurred on Sunday, May 28, 2017 at Iolani Palace and the State Capitol.
Attorney General Chin said of the indictment: “The cultural and historical significance of Iolani Palace to the people of Hawaii cannot be overstated. The State Capitol is a vital public building. Aquino will be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.”
On Sunday, Aquino allegedly used a three-foot long metal pipe to break three palace door windowpanes, some of which were more than a century old. Aquino was also indicted for breaking the glass in the door to the House of Representatives chambers of the State Capitol building.
Aquino is a 57-year old man with five previous felony convictions. He was indicted for one count of first degree criminal property damage, a class B felony punishable by up to ten years in prison; and one count of second degree criminal property damage, a class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison. He is also eligible for enhanced sentencing as a repeat, persistent, and multiple offender. Bail is set at $100,000.00. He remains in custody.
Aquino is presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
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For more information, contact:
Joshua A. Wisch
Special Assistant to the Attorney General
Phone: (808) 586-1284
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @ATGHIgov