Maui mother gets 10 years in prison for arson in 2022

WAILUKU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A Maui mother of three was sentenced to 10 years in prison Tuesday for intentionally setting a brush fire in Puunene two years ago.

Krystale Kaneakua, 36, blew a kiss to her sisters after Judge Peter Cahill imposed the maximum sentence.

She was convicted of arson in June after a jury found she intentionally started a brush fire along the Maui Veterans Highway in 2022.

“Now we know for sure what can happen when a fire breaks out in a field or when the wind blows in a certain direction. And then massive death and destruction can occur,” Cahill said.

The prosecutor said police were looking for Kaneakua's boyfriend, Steven Sarol, and they organized a diversion so he could escape.

“Recording of a phone conversation the defendant had with her mother from jail, during which they brainstormed and tried to come up with the best story for the jury. She and her mother discussed various stories the defendant should tell the jury and finally settled on one. She even considered falsely claiming that she was held at gunpoint and forced to participate in this arson,” said Assistant District Attorney Johann Smith.

Surveillance video from the store shows Kaneakua and his accomplice John Hlis purchasing a can of gasoline and lighter fluid immediately before the fires.

Hlis pleaded guilty to arson and was sentenced to one year in prison.

He said Kaneakua was the mastermind of the crime.

“I take full responsibility for being here. I am sorry for the pain I have caused to the community. I miss my family. I miss my children. They miss me too and I am sorry,” Kaneakua said in court.

Her lawyer asked the judge to give her credit for time already served, saying Kaneakua runs a successful flower business and gives back to her community.

“She has a great reputation. She can return to a great company. She has a place to live,” said defense attorney John Parker.

Her younger sister told the court that Kaneakua was a loving mother of three children who deserved a second chance.

“Our grandfather died just 10 days ago and it would mean a lot to us to have her in our home. Her children are really suffering,” said Leah Kalb.

But in the end the judge imposed a ten-year prison sentence.

Her family is convinced that the court wanted to make an example of her because of the fire disaster in Lahaina last year and considers the verdict to be unfair.

Kaneakua could have a parole hearing in as little as six months.

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