HONOLULU (KHON2) — A 28-year-old suspect has been arrested, charged and indicted on an arson charge in connection with the fire that destroyed a Makiki playground.
Honolulu Parks and Recreation spokesperson Nate Serota said Honolulu police arrested Brendon Seis on July 3, after surveillance footage placed him at the scene of the crime.
The playground was set ablaze around 8:45 a.m. on June 30. Honolulu firefighters responded shortly after and extinguished the flames.
According to the Honolulu Fire Department, investigators found several spots around the playground where an accelerant was used.
City officials said the playground has been demolished, and they are working with “a multi-state contracting system to rebuild the playground.”
“This will hopefully make the rebuild less costly and more efficient, as new playgrounds can range from $200,000 to $300,000 to rebuild,” Serota said.
Unlike the playground at Wahiawa District Park, Serota said the rebuild could take at least a couple of months.
We appreciate the patience of the community while we work to get that new keiki playground rebuilt so they can once again enjoy Sheridan Community Park to its full extent. A big mahalo to the Honolulu Police Department for their quick work with identifying and arresting a suspect, the prosecutors taking the case and the fire department for their emergency response.
Nate Serota, Honolulu Parks and Recreation spokesperson
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His bail has been set at $75,000.