Hawai‘i Island – In a disconcerting incident, Hawai‘i Island police are actively searching for a male suspect linked to a structure fire in the Ocean View Estates subdivision that occurred on Friday morning.
The fire, reported at 9:17 a.m. on Paradise Parkway, resulted in the total loss of a residence valued at approximately $210,000. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene to find the home engulfed in flames. Fortunately, the elderly woman living in the residence had managed to escape unharmed prior to their arrival.
As investigators delved into the circumstances surrounding the blaze, they uncovered evidence suggesting that the fire may have been intentionally set. The resident reported seeing a man on her property just moments before the fire ignited. The suspect, whose identity remains unknown, was last observed wearing dark clothing with his face concealed.
Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigation Section, alongside inspectors from the Hawai‘i Fire Department, are diligently working to gather more information and piece together the events leading up to this alarming incident.
The structure’s destruction has left a significant impact, with losses estimated at $210,000. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area or has information regarding the male suspect to come forward. Residents with any information are encouraged to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 960-3118 or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov.
Additionally, tips can be submitted through the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311. For those who prefer to remain anonymous, an anonymous tip can be made through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. Citizens providing tips may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000, and all calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential, with no caller ID recorded.
As the investigation continues, police emphasize the importance of community awareness and vigilance in ensuring the safety of the Ocean View Estates neighborhood.