“Pop” Heard, Three Vehicles Observed on Fire in Waiehu
Three vehicles sustained heavy damage in a fire along the roadside in Waiehu near the Waiehu Beach Center early this morning.
Area residents of a nearby building reported hearing a “pop” at around 4 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2019, and looked out to see a Yellow Volkswagen “Bug” on fire. Two other vehicles parked behind it were also burned in the incident. The vehicles were parked along Eluene Place facing East toward Kahului Harbor.
Police were called and responding emergency units had the fire out by 4:30 a.m., according to area residents. Fire Services Chief Rylan Yatsushiro said Engine 1 was first on scene and was able to quickly control and extinguish the fires.
Police assisted with evacuating occupants at 250 Waiehu Beach Road as a precaution. Authorities say the vehicles were parked approximately 10 feet from the building.
Fire officials have since released information saying it was determined that these fires were intentionally set, and estimated damages at $700 to the vehicles.