Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a structure fire that occurred Sunday morning, December 15, 2024, in Kealakekua. At approximately 8:26 a.m., Kona patrol officers responded to the 79-7393 Māmalahoa Highway following reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival, officers observed flames engulfing the second floor of a two-story building.
Hawai‘i Fire Department (HFD) crews quickly responded and began suppression efforts. The fire was contained and extinguished, and no injuries were reported to occupants or responders. The affected structure is a 12,000-square-foot, multiple-occupancy building, with damage primarily to the second floor.
Māmalahoa Highway was closed between Lehuula Street and Basque Way from 8:33 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. while emergency crews worked to control the fire and ensure safety. Traffic and pedestrian control was handled by the Hawai‘i Police Department (HPD), and Hawai‘i Electric Light Company (HELCO) responded to secure utilities.
HFD crews also assisted the store owner with content removal from the affected building. Fire investigators remained on the scene to determine the origin and cause of the fire, though it remains under investigation.
The property, owned by Kamuela Management LLC, sustained an estimated loss of $1,763,200, with an additional $488,800 in property saved. No damage was noted to neighboring structures.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Kona Patrol Officer Cal-Jason Hoopai at (808) 935-3311 or via email at Cal-Jason.Hoopai@hawaiicounty.gov. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
PC: @nicky.oodlesofnoodles
