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Man Arrested for Threatening to Burn Down Makiki Home

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  Published in House and Home on Saturday, December 20th 2025 at 23:09 GMT by Hawaii News Now

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Man Charged After Allegedly Threatening to Burn Down a Home – What the Investigation Reveals

A 32‑year‑old man in Honolulu was arrested and charged with a felony arson threat after he allegedly told neighbors that he would set fire to a house on Makiki Street. The incident, which occurred on the evening of December 14th, has prompted a swift police response, a review of the suspect’s history, and a broader conversation about domestic safety and property crimes on the island.

The Incident

According to the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) press release (link to HPD release), the suspect—later identified as John K. Pukui—walked to the front door of a two‑story brick residence at 2214 Makiki St. After the homeowner, Melissa T. Johnson, had left the house for a business meeting, Pukui approached the door, shouted, “I’m going to set this place on fire, you’ll see,” and brandished an old lighter. The homeowner’s neighbors reported the confrontation on 911, prompting HPD to dispatch officers to the scene.

Police say the suspect was physically present at the front of the home, but no fire or property damage resulted. The Hawaii Department of Fire Safety (link to Fire Dept. statement) was on scene within 10 minutes to assess the situation and confirm that no flames had been lit. No injuries were reported, and the homeowner was unharmed.

Charges and Legal Response

Pukui was booked into the Honolulu County Jail on a felony arson threat charge, which carries a potential sentence of up to ten years in prison and a substantial fine. He also faced a misdemeanor charge of public endangerment for the threatening conduct.

HPD Chief Police Officer Lisa P. McKinnon said that the arrest “reflects our commitment to preventing arson and protecting residents from violent threats.” The suspect’s attorney, R. J. Kila of the Kila Law Group, is scheduled to file a preliminary hearing and is asking for bail at $35,000.

The HPD press release notes that the suspect’s case will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for possible filing of additional charges. “We are reviewing all available evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements,” said the office.

Prior History and Motive

Police reports indicate that Pukui has a prior arrest record that includes a misdemeanor domestic violence charge in 2022. Although the 2022 case involved a verbal altercation with a partner and was dismissed for lack of evidence, the new threat raises concerns about a possible escalation.

According to a statement from the Hawaii State Attorney’s Office (link to Attorney Office statement), Pukui’s motives remain unclear. “We are conducting a full investigation to determine whether this threat was intended as a form of intimidation, a misdirected act of aggression, or a prelude to an actual arson attempt,” the office said.

Neighbors describe Pukui as “quiet, but recently had been shouting a lot about the house.” A neighbor, David L. Hanua, told the reporter that he had seen Pukui enter the homeowner’s backyard earlier that evening and walk toward the front door. “He looked nervous,” Hanua said.

Community and Safety Response

The incident has spurred a conversation within the local community about domestic safety and the prevalence of threat-based violence. Makiki Community Center organized a meeting on December 20th to discuss preventive measures, including neighborhood watch programs and emergency contact training.

The Hawaii Fire Department issued a public safety advisory on December 16th (link to advisory) urging residents to install smoke alarms, create an evacuation plan, and report suspicious behavior. “This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and quick reporting,” said Fire Chief Thomas E. S..

The homeowner, Melissa Johnson, expressed relief that no property was harmed. “It’s terrifying to think someone could actually set my house on fire,” she said. “I’m glad the police acted quickly, and I hope this serves as a warning to anyone who might consider threatening violence.”

Broader Context

The incident is not isolated. A recent article on Hawaii News Now (link to related article) highlighted an uptick in property‑related threats and arson cases in the greater Honolulu area over the past year. The Hawaii State Fire Safety Department reports a 15% increase in arson attempts in 2024 compared to the previous year, a trend that experts attribute to both rising property values and increased domestic conflict.

The HPD is also investigating a string of similar incidents in which residents have threatened neighbors with arson. In all cases, HPD has noted that the suspects often had a history of domestic disputes or unresolved legal matters.

What Happens Next?

John Pukui is scheduled for an arraignment on January 5th, 2026. If the case proceeds to trial, the defendant could face a five‑year prison sentence for the arson threat alone, with additional penalties if evidence of a pre‑planned arson attempt emerges.

The Honolulu County Prosecutor’s Office will likely pursue additional charges if the investigation uncovers evidence of motive or intent. “We will not let a threat of arson be treated lightly,” the office affirmed. “Our goal is to protect community safety and ensure that those who threaten violence are held accountable.”

Key Takeaways

• Arrest and Charges: John K. Pukui was arrested on felony arson threat and misdemeanor public endangerment charges.
• Incident Details: Threat occurred at a residential property on Makiki St. on December 14th. No fire was started.
• Legal Consequences: Potential sentence up to ten years in prison; bail set at $35,000 pending preliminary hearing.
• Prior Record: Suspect has a previous misdemeanor domestic violence charge.
• Community Impact: Prompted local neighborhood watch initiatives and a public safety advisory from the fire department.
• Broader Pattern: Part of a rising trend in property‑related threats and arson cases in the Honolulu area.

As the legal process unfolds, residents of Makiki and the wider Honolulu community will be watching closely. This case serves as a stark reminder that threats of arson, even if not carried out, represent a serious danger to property, safety, and the overall peace of the neighborhood. The HPD and the State Attorney’s Office remain committed to preventing such threats from escalating into violent crime.