[2][3] Arnold was born in ʻŌʻōkala, Kingdom of Hawai'i of Native Hawaiian and European descent.

His long-term career spanned 27 years with the Honolulu Plantation Company in Aiea, Hawaii.

He served on the Board of Supervisors of Oʻahu County, a governing body created during the Territory of Hawaii.

World War I ended November 11, 1918, and Arnold received an honorable discharge on February 3, 1919.

Children by that marriage were Charles Jr., Alfred, William, Cecelia, Lillian Louise and Arthur.