Suspected arson causes bushfire in Waimea, Hawaii; investigation ongoing | Local

WAIMEA, Hawaii (Island News) – The Kauai Fire Department (KFD) has reported that the brush fire that broke out in Waimea above Panini Place has been extinguished. Officials suspect arson was the cause.

Firefighters and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) extinguished the fire on Monday evening, July 22, 2024. No injuries or structure damage were reported.

While monitoring the Poki’i Ridge and Panini Ridge fires on Tuesday, investigators discovered incendiary devices in the Poki’i Ridge area and suspect that both fires were intentionally set.

“Arson can quickly lead to uncontrollable wildfires, endangering lives, property and the surrounding environment. Once a fire starts, it can quickly spread to nearby vegetation, buildings and residential areas, causing extensive damage and injuries,” said Michael Gibson, chief of the Kauai Fire Department.

According to a preliminary report, firefighters responded to a bushfire over Panini Place before 4.45pm on Monday.

Waimea Fire Department and DOFAW crews arrived on the scene. Firefighters discovered a brush area approximately 125 feet by 60 feet engulfed in flames. KFD and DOFAW crews began extinguishing the fire and KFD personnel cleared the scene shortly before 6 p.m. Waimea Canyon Drive was closed for one hour while firefighters arrived.

“Arson is a serious crime with serious consequences and poses an imminent threat to life, property and the environment. Perpetrators face significant penalties, including jail time and fines. We will not tolerate arson. I urge everyone to consider the potential consequences to the well-being of others and our community before taking such actions,” said Kauai Police Chief Todd Raybuck.

Intentionally or knowingly setting a fire or burning property, or intentionally or negligently causing property damage in excess of $20,000, is a Class A felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 708-8251.

The cause of the Hanapeepe Kaumakani area wildfire that broke out on July 15 on the west side of Kauai remains under investigation.

A preliminary investigation by the KFD Fire Prevention Bureau determined that a 10-acre fire in Kapa’a that occurred on July 16 was caused by the improper handling of charging equipment consisting of a photovoltaic panel connected to a car battery.

Anyone with information regarding the incidents described is asked to call KPD dispatch at 808-241-1711 or Lt. Kennison Nagahisa at 808-241-1705 and [email protected].