UPDATE: Fire Destroys Humupea Place Home in South Maui

Kīhei home fire 6/23/13. Photo courtesy: Kevin John Olson.

By Wendy Osher

A house fire in Kīhei on Sunday, June 23, destroyed a home in the Hale Piʻilani subdivision, causing an estimated $600,000 in damage, fire officials said.

The incident was reported at 1:42 p.m. at 204 Humupea Place at a multi-family dwelling, and was extinguished at 5:57 p.m., said Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

The 2,256-square-foot home was completely destroyed by fire, and forced the temporary closure of the nearby Piʻilani Highway between Kaiwahine Street and Moi Place due to heavy smoke, officials said.

Kīhei home fire 6/23/13. Photo courtesy: Kevin John Olson.

According to FS Chief Mainaga, the Red Cross was activated to assist two adults and two children who were displaced by the fire.

The fire also damaged some fiber optic lines, causing an estimated 1,600 customers and all of Hāna to lose both land-line and cell phone coverage, said Maui Police Lt. William Juan.

According to Lt. Juan, the incident temporarily affected the 911 service number, during which a temporary administrative line was set up for response and assistance.

Maui police began detouring traffic around the scene at 1:49 p.m., and had the roadways completely reopened by 3:29 p.m.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Kīhei structure fire, 6/23/13 by Wendy Osher.

Kīhei structure fire, 6/23/13 by Wendy Osher.

Kīhei structure fire, 6/23/13 by Wendy Osher.

Kīhei structure fire, 6/23/13 by Wendy Osher.

Kīhei structure fire, 6/23/13 by Wendy Osher.

Kīhei structure fire, 6/23/13 by Wendy Osher.

Structure fire Kīhei, 6/23/13. Photo courtesy Nikki Caccamo.

Kīhei structure fire, 6/23/13 by Wendy Osher.

Kīhei structure fire, 6/23/13 by Wendy Osher.