A man who claims to be heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaii was acquitted of burglarizing çIolani Palace last year but convicted of simple trespass.

A Circuit Court jury deliberated for a day before finding James Akahi guilty of the lesser offense that is a criminal violation punishable by no more than a $1,000 fine.
Deputy Attorney General asked Circuit Judge Richard Pollack to impose the maximum fine.
“Mr. Akahi did enter a building that is very sacred to a great many people,” Miyahira said, adding that his actions could have damaged palace artifacts and placed individuals in danger of physical harm.
Defense lawyer David Sereno asked for a fine of $100, saying that Akahi, from Maui, has already spent thousands of dollars on travel and legal expenses.
Akahi told Pollack he didn’t intend any harm.
“I was trying to help out the kanaka maoli people and put them back on their own land,” Akahi said.
Pollack sentenced Akahi to the maximum $1,000 fine.
“The way you went about this couldn’t have been more wrong,” Pollack said.
“I certainly hope you never come before the court for something like this ever again,” the judge said.