Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Wednesday, December 11, 2024 78° Today's Paper


Hawaii News

Bitter divorce preceded fire at $1M Kaimuki home

1/3
Swipe or click to see more

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM

Honolulu firefighters extinguished a house fire Sunday at 3257 Brokaw St. in Kaimuki. Honolulu police arrested Christopher Paikai, one of the owners, for first-degree arson.

2/3
Swipe or click to see more

COURTESY HPD

Christopher K. Paikai

3/3
Swipe or click to see more

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM

Honolulu firefighters extinguished a blaze on Brokaw Street in Kaimuki on Sunday. One owner of the home was arrested in connection with the fire.

A $1 million Kaimuki home that was heavily damaged by fire Sunday was in escrow following a bitter divorce by the home’s two owners, a court document says.

The home at 3257 Brokaw St. sustained $610,000 in damage after one owner allegedly set fire to the two-story house.

Owner Christopher Paikai, 50, was arrested shortly after the blaze and charged with first-degree arson. He made his first court appearance Wednesday in Honolulu District Court and was held at Oahu Community Correctional Center in lieu of $100,000 bail.

According to a court document, a witness saw Paikai kneeling next to his 2018 Subaru WRX sedan in the garage and strike a match, then ignite a fluid on the garage floor. The witness asked Paikai what he was doing, and Paikai allegedly responded, “it’s my —- house,” before walking away from the scene.

A responding officer found Paikai walking near 4th and Kaimuki avenues and, after stopping him, saw a box of matches in a bag that Paikai was carrying, the document says.

Paikai’s ex-wife responded to the fire and told police the home was in escrow for $1,008,000.

Court documents say the home is owned by both Paikai and his ex-wife.

The couple divorced in June.

In January, Paikai’s then-wife obtained an order for protection against him for herself and two dogs for 10 years.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.