Arson suspected in South Kona structure fire

Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

Officials say a structure fire Saturday in Captain Cook was the result of arson.

Responding to the 1:17 p.m. alarm, firefighters arrived at the scene on Keopuka Makai Road area to find a 1,500-square-foot structure engulfed in flames, according to the Hawaii Fire Department.

The road to access the structure was blocked, and overgrown brush made accessing the fire difficult, prompting the use of Chopper 2 to perform water bucket drops, the department said.

“A nearby resident apparently witnessed an unidentified male light the structure on fire and was seen as units pulled up on scene and was arrested by HPD,” a press release reads.

The fire was declared out at 2 p.m., according to the fire department. Three vehicles were also lost in the fire, which destroyed the structure valued at $150,000.

No injuries were reported.