The Honolulu medical examiner has identified the two women who died in a house fire that ripped through an Ewa Beach home last Wednesday: 93‑year‑old Kimiko Takamiya and 32‑year‑old Rizza Lee Souther, officials said. The two‑alarm blaze gutted the residence and left several other people injured.
Medical Examiner Identifies Victims
The Office of the Medical Examiner released the identifications earlier today, naming Kimiko Takamiya, 93, and Rizza Lee Souther, 32, as the decedents. The 32‑year‑old had been taken to a burn center in critical condition and died the following day, according to KITV.
Police Open Unattended-Death Investigation
Honolulu police say District 8 officers and the Fire Department responded to a house fire on Fort Weaver Road just after 6:30 p.m. last Wednesday. Four adult women were able to escape, but two suffered burns and were hospitalized; after crews extinguished the blaze investigators located human remains and opened an unattended‑death investigation, the Honolulu Police Department said in a news release.
Scene, response and aftermath
Emergency crews were called to the home at 91‑471 Fort Weaver Road around 6:35 p.m.; the Fire Department mounted a two‑alarm response and more than a dozen units worked the scene, which was later declared a total loss. EMS sent six ambulances to the scene and paramedics treated multiple people — the American Red Cross was also asked to assist displaced residents. The Adult Foster Home Care Association of Hawaii confirmed the property was a licensed foster care facility and most recently passed certification in April; the cause and manner of death for the victims remain pending, as reported by Hawaii News Now.
Neighbors, next steps
Neighbors told reporters they rushed toward the house as flames spread and are now coping with the aftermath. Earlier local coverage captured the chaotic scene and initial rescue efforts; the incident and its human toll have left the community shaken, as per a report by Hoodline. Authorities continue to investigate the origin and cause of the blaze and ask anyone with information to contact the Honolulu Police Department.
