UPDATE: Iolani Palace, Capitol Vandalism Suspect Charged

Michael Aquino, OCCC intake photo, May 30, 2017. Hawaii Department of Public Safety photo.

Michael Aquino, June 2, 2017, the morning of his court appearance. Hawaii Department of Public Safety photo.

UPDATE: June 2, 2017

Michael Aquino was arrested and booked on the Grand Jury Warrant at the Sheriff Division Booking and Receiving Station on the morning of Friday, June 2, 2017.

He was returned to the Oahu Community Correctional Center at 8:15 a.m.

PREVIOUS POST: June 1, 2017

Iolani Palace. Photo:D Ramey Logan 2011

Attorney General Doug Chin announced that an O‘ahu 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.

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.

“The cultural and historical significance of Iolani Palace to the people of Hawai‘i cannot be overstated,” said Attorney General Chin. “The State Capitol is a vital public building. Aquino will be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.”

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 10 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.