Arson Suspected in Fire That Destroyed $10K Maui Canoe

Photo courtesy Arianna Gerry, Hawaiian Canoe Club.

By Wendy Osher

Maui police are investigating a fire that destroyed a canoe belonging to Hawaiian Canoe Club in Kahului early Tuesday morning.

Police say the incident occurred at 2:32 a.m., on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2014.

According to police reports, a witness reported seeing a canoe fully engulfed in flames at Hoaloha Park in Central Maui, where the Hawaiian Canoe Club is located.

Maui police say the fire was deemed suspicious and have classified the case as a second degree arson.

Life in Kahului was returning to normal after an overnight tsunami warning that forced the evacuation of low-lying areas. On Sunday morning, October 28, 2012, activity at Kahului Harbor was minimal, with no visible signs of damage along the shoreline fronting the Hawaiian Canoe Club. Photo by Wendy Osher,

Maui Police Lieutenant William Juan said the incident remains under investigation by the department’s Criminal Investigation Division.

Police have estimated the value of the canoe at $10,000.