RASH OF FIRES BEING INVESTIGATED AS SUSPICIOUS

A rash of morning fires along the Honoapiilani Highway are being investigated as suspicious incidents-that according to Acting Battalion Chief Derrick Arruda with the Maui Fire Department.  Maui police say three fires occurred within a 35 minute period this morning between Olowalu and Puamana.

Maui police say the first was reported in Olowalu at 10:38 a.m. near Cut Mountain.  A second fire occurred in the same area, but closer to the Olowalu Dump.  A third fire was reported at 11:13 a.m. in Puamana on the mauka side of the Highway.

All fires were quickly contained and were not impacting traffic.

Inspectors are looking into the possible use of an incendiary device, but the exact cause remains under investigation.

A separate fire was reported early this morning along the Pali section of the Highway, but no immediate link was being made between the incidents.  Crews were on scene during the 6 a.m. hour between the scenic lookout and the pali tunnel near mile marker 8 and 9.  The small fire was quickly brought under control and did not impact traffic.

(By Wendy Osher © 2009)