Detectives arrested two 13-year-old boys in connection with an arson fire that destroyed part of a Waianae Mormon church.
The teens face first-degree arson.
It will cost $2.5 million to repair the damage at the Waianae's Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, officials said.
"Detectives from our arson division with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms arrested two 13-year-old males today," Capt. Frank Fujii said.
Detectives canvassed neighborhoods near the church looking for leads. Their investigation not only led to the suspected arsonists, but arrests for a previous church break-in and vandalism.
"These two same males, along with a 12-year-old , were also arrested for a burglary that happened on Sept. 6 at the same church," Fujii said.
Police did not say why the teens targeted the church. The boys are not church members and no one else is suspected in the crimes, police said.
"I think we're very happy we were able to make the arrests. The community out there has been victimized so much in the recent past," Fujii said.
The public may never know what punishment the teens would receive if they are convicted because the juvenile justice system is closed to all but those directly involved.
An adult charged with first-degree arson could face up to 10 years in prison.
Previous Stories:
- September 13, 2006: Police Search For Suspects In Church Fire
- September 12, 2006: Investigators: Waianae Church Fire Intentionally Set
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