April 05--A 35-year-old Ewa Beach man was charged today with setting a Pearl City fire that killed a 97-year-old woman last week.
Michael P. Dahilig was charged at 3:30 p.m. with first-degree arson, manslaughter, three counts of first-degree burglary, one count of attempted burglary, promoting a dangerous drug, and drug paraphernalia.
He remains at the main police cellblock with a $1 million bail.
Police said Dahilig was the same man seen by a neighbor rummaging through the remains of a Hoomalolo Street home that was destroyed by fire Friday, the day after the conflagration. Betty Hagihara died in the 4:36 a.m. blaze.
Police said Dahilig was also arrested in connection with the burglary of another home on the same street in September and March.
On Tuesday, Dahilig tried to flee when officers tracked him down to a home in Ewa Beach and tried to dispose of drugs and drug paraphernalia, police said.
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