A 47-year-old man arrested Friday on suspicion of chopping down a utility pole and stealing copper wiring will not be charged for those felony offenses, according to the city prosecuting attorney's office.

Alden Kaupiko, however, will be charged today at his initial appearance in District Court with misdemeanor criminal trespassing and fourth-degree theft, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors yesterday said they were unable to proceed with felony second-degree criminal property damage and criminal tampering counts against Kaupiko because ownership of the pole could not be established.

Therefore, there cannot be a related charge for the disruption of telephone service from wiring being cut from the downed pole.

Kaupiko's initial appearance Monday on the trespassing count was continued to today.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.