Molokaʻi Burger Damaged in Fire

Molokaʻi firefighters responded to a report of smoke in the area of Kamehameha V Highway and Kaunakakai Place at 11:19 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13, 2017.

Firefighters were on scene three minutes later and found heavy smoke coming from the building of the Molokaʻi Burger restaurant at 20 Kamehameha V Highway.

Crews entered the building and found active flames burning inside the kitchen area of the restaurant.

Firefighters had the fire under control by 11:30 p.m. and extinguished at around 1 a.m.

The restaurant was already shut down for the night and the employees had all gone home prior to the smoke call being received.

Maui Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto said Investigators could not determine the exact cause of the fire, but know that it originated in the kitchen area.  He said the fire appears to be accidental, as there were no indicators to suggest the fire was intentionally set.

Damage to the building was estimated at $150,000. Estimates on content damage were not available.

Fire crews from Kaunakakai, Hoʻolehua, and Pūkoʻo responded to the fire.