A college student accused of exploding "bottle bombs" on the University of Hawai'i-Hilo campus has made a plea deal with prosecutors.

Edward Emerson Wine II, 20, pleaded no contest last week to first-degree terroristic threatening before Hilo Circuit Judge Glenn Hara.

An additional charge of manufacturing and possessing explosive devices was dropped. Both infractions are felonies, carrying a maximum of five years imprisonment. However, the explosives charge carries a mandatory five-year prison term.

Deputy Prosecutor Rick Damerville told the Tribune-Herald that the state is recommending five years' probation and up to a year in jail with all but 90 days stayed "as long as he complies with the terms of probation."

Wine's change of plea from not guilty eliminated the need for a jury trial, which was set to begin May 11.

Wine's attorney, Deputy Public Defender Mirtha Oliveros, cited "possible civil liability" as the reason for the no-contest plea. She also requested a deferred acceptance of Wine's plea, which would expunge the felony conviction if Wine abides by conditions set by Hara and does not commit any additional crimes.

After questioning Wine, Hara accepted the no-contest plea and set sentencing for 8 a.m. June 23.