Woman Indicted for Criminal Property Damage at ʻIolani Palace

By Wendy Osher

An Oʻahu grand jury indicted a 21-year-old woman with first -degree criminal property damage and second-degree burglary for damage caused to the front glass door of ʻIolani Palace in February, the state attorney general announced.

Drew Paahau, who is also known as Drew Paahao, was was being held in lieu of $25,000 bail at last report for the felony indictment, and the court was expected to issue a bench warrant for her apprehension and arrest, according to information released by Attorney General David Louie.

State officials say first-degree criminal property damage is considered a class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine; and second-degree burglary is considered a class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The criminal indictment is the result of an investigation conducted by the Honolulu Police Department into damage caused to the front glass door of ʻIolani Palace on the morning of Feb. 8, 2014, state officials said.

“We intend to prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law for the irreparable damage caused to the historic and priceless original glass pane on the front door of the ʻIolani Palace. ʻIolani Palace served as a home to the Hawaiian monarchy and stands today as a national treasure which needs to be preserved and protected,” said Attorney General Louie.

State officials reminded the public that an indictment is merely an allegation against Paahau, and she is presumed innocent until she is found guilty of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt by a judge or jury.