Honolulu police arrested a 59-year-old man after a two-alarm house fire on Hoolana Place in Pearl City on Saturday, April 18, a blaze that the Honolulu Fire Department has now classified as incendiary. Officials put the damage at roughly $385,000, and reported no injuries.
HFD crews were alerted at about 8:41 a.m. and upgraded the call to a second alarm after spotting a large smoke column. Firefighters arrived within minutes to flames pouring from the roof and rear of the single-story home and launched an aggressive offensive attack to protect neighboring houses. The blaze was declared under control by 10:22 a.m., and the American Red Cross was called in to assist a displaced resident, according to Hawaii News Now.
Investigation finds multiple ignition points
An HFD investigator on scene determined the fire was incendiary and found multiple ignition points, concluding the blaze appears to have started in the living room. HFD's damage estimate breaks down to about $339,000 in structural loss, roughly $45,000 in contents and about $1,000 to a neighboring property, for a combined total of roughly $385,000. The 59-year-old suspect was later released pending further investigation, KITV reports.
Arrest and next steps
Honolulu police took the 59-year-old into custody at about 11 a.m. on Saturday on suspicion of arson in the first degree, and detectives have been working the case with HFD investigators, according to Hawaii News Now. Officials say evidence from the scene is being processed and investigators are interviewing witnesses as the probe continues.
Legal context
Arson in the first degree in Hawaii covers intentionally or knowingly setting a fire that causes significant property damage and can carry felony penalties. The law is set out in HRS §708-8251. For the statute text, see Justia.
Investigators remain on scene while HPD and HFD continue their review, and anyone with information or video is asked to contact Honolulu police. The department has not released additional details while detectives complete their work.
