Police Charge Kona Man with Arson and Terroristic Threatening

Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 34-year-old Kaleb Paulus of Hilo in connection with an arson investigation and other offenses stemming from two incidents that occurred at a homeless encampment in Kailua-Kona on Monday, May 18, 2026.

On 8:50 a.m. on May 18, Kona patrol officers responded to a report of a brush fire in the vicinity of Palani Road and Ane Keohokalole Highway. Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded and extinguished the fire. Upon investigation, it was determined  that a homeless encampment, estimated to be 20 feet by 20 feet in size, had been consumed in the fire.

An hour later at 9:50 a.m., officers responded to the same area following reports of an unknown type of disturbance. Upon arrival, officers contacted a female victim who reported that Paulus, while armed with a machete and carrying a gas can, threatened to kill her. The victim further reported that Paulus threatened to set property on fire and made statements indicating that he started the fire earlier that day. Paulus fled the area on foot prior to officers’ arrival and was not immediately located.

Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigation Section continued the investigation and identified Paulus as a suspect.

On Monday, May 26, Paulus was located and arrest for the following offenses:

• Second-degree arson
• First-degree terroristic threatening

He was also arrested for two outstanding contempt of court bench warrants and an unrelated shoplifting incident that occurred at the Kailua-Kona store on March 26.

Detectives continued the investigation and after conferring with the Hawaii County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Paulus was charged with:

• Second-degree arson
• First-degree terroristic threatening
• Fourth-degree theft
• Second-degree criminal trespass
• Habitual property crime

His total bail was set at $92,400.

Police ask that anyone with information regarding these incidents to please contact Detective Bradley Llanes at (808) 326-4646, ext. 268 or via email at Bradley.Llanes@hawaiipolice.gov.