Arson Identified as Cause of Maui Drug Court Office Fire

By Wendy Osher

The fire at the Maui Drug Court offices caused an estimated $250,000 in damage. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Maui fire officials have named arson as the cause of a morning fire at the Maui/Molokai Drug Court offices in Wailuku.

Forcible entry was used to access the building and multiple fires, with multiple points of origin were discovered within, said Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

He said the blaze caused an estimated $100,000 in damage to the structure, and $150,000 to contents of the office

The fire was first reported at 5:25 a.m at 2050 Main Street, Unit 1C, and was under control within five minutes.  The blaze was extinguished by 6:15 a.m.

When units arrived on scene, they found the fire was contained to one specific unit, with fire sprinklers activated.

The blaze was confined to a single unit occupied by the Maui Drug Court. Photo by Wendy Osher.

“Fire damage would have been more extensive if the building had not been protected by fire sprinklers,” said FS Chief Mainaga.

The Maui Drug Court office space is now closed until further notice with services temporarily relocated.

A sign posted on the business this afternoon indicates that due to the fire, staff is working out of the court building.  Clients are asked to call the Drug Court Administer at 244-2770 for information.

Crews from Engine 1 in Wailuku and Rescue 10 in Kahului responded to the initial alarm.

The arson fire was located at the Maui Drug Court offices on the back side of Gionnatto's Pizza in Wailuku. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The Maui Drug Court office space is closed until further notice. Services have been relocated. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Fire determination is arson with forcible entry used to enter the building. Photo by Wendy Osher.