Hawai‘i Island police would like to thank the public for their assistance in locating Brenda Kekoa, who was wanted for questioning in connection with an arson investigation.

On Monday, May 9, 2022, around 11:30 p.m., Ka‘ū patrol officers responded to a structure fire on the 95-1200 block of Ohai Road in Nā‘ālehu. Prior to arrival, the fire had spread to a neighboring residence, creating a second structure fire. No one was seriously injured during this incident.

In the course of their investigation, detectives with the Area II Criminal Investigation Section determined that the fire was intentionally set and that Kekoa was responsible for the fire.

On Tuesday, May 31, 2022, with assistance from Ka’u patrol, detectives located and arrested Kekoa at a residence in Nā‘ālehu.

After conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office, Kekoa was charged with two counts of arson in the first degree. Her bail was set at $20,000.

Kekoa made her initial court appearance on Wednesday, June 1, at Kona District Court.

Anyone with information on this arson investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Anson Caceres at (808) 326-4646 Ext. 225; or via email at anson.caceres@hawaiicounty.gov.  They may also contact the Hawaii Police Department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.

Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID.