Arson Investigation Launched into Waiheʻe Structure Fire

Structure fire, Maui Now graphic.

By Maui Now Staff

An arson investigation has been launched into a structure fire reported on Sunday morning in Waiheʻe.

The fire burned a section of a single-story home under construction, causing an estimated $15,000 in damage, fire officials said.

The incident was reported by an area resident who saw smoke coming from the area at 9:22 a.m. on Sunday, March 1.

Fire crews arrived on the scene at 9:32 a.m., but could not make access down the narrow dirt road leading to the 1,800-square-foot home located at 2594 Kahekili Highway, according to department reports.

Upon arrival, fire officials say crews found that a section of the home had caught fire, but had nearly burned itself out.

Acting Fire Services Officer Edward Taomoto said fire crews left the fire truck on the highway, walked in about 400 yards, and used a garden hose and portable water extinguisher to douse the smoldering fire.

According to Taomoto, the wooden structure was still under construction and had not yet been occupied.