Officials suspect arson in Koke‘e brush fire

Authorities suspect the Koke‘e brush fire, which scorched 1,600 acres, was intentionally set, officials confirmed Tuesday.

Additionally, a small brush that ignited in Waimea above Panini Place on Monday afternoon is also suspected to be arson.

The Koke‘e brush fire burned in the area of Poki‘i Ridge. Kaua‘i Fire Department, along with various other agencies, started battling the blaze on July 18. The fire was 85% contained late Sunday night. Firefighters and crews with DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife have been on scene Monday and Tuesday addressing hotspots.

On Monday, fire crews were dispatched to another blaze above Panini Place in Waimea just before 4:45 p.m. When firefighters arrived on scene, they discovered an area of brush approximately 40 yards by 20 yards on fire.

Crews with KFD and DOFAW extinguished the flames, and KFD personnel cleared the scene shortly before 6 p.m.

On Tuesday, personnel with the Kaua‘i Fire Prevention Bureau, DOFAW, and the Kaua‘i Police Department investigated the small blaze and suspect it was also intentionally set.

Waimea Canyon Drive was closed as a result of Panini Place fire for an hour while fire crews responded. No injuries or damaged structures were reported.

“Arson can quickly lead to uncontrollable wildfires, endangering lives, property, and the surrounding area,” said Kaua‘i Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson. “Once a fire starts, it can rapidly spread to nearby vegetation, structures, and residential areas, causing extensive damage and the potential for injuries.”

Intentionally or knowingly setting a fire or causing property to be burned and knowingly or recklessly causing damages to property over $20,000 is a Class A Felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

“We will not tolerate arson,” said Kaua‘i Police Chief Todd Raybuck. “I urge everyone to consider the potential consequences for the well-being of others and our community before taking such actions.”

The cause of the large wildfire that occurred at the Hanapēpē-Kaumakani area on July 15 on Kaua‘i’s Westside remains under investigation.

A preliminary investigation by the KFD Fire Prevention Bureau has revealed that a 10-acre fire in Kapa‘a on July 16 was caused by improper use of charging equipment consisting of a photovoltaic panel connected to a car battery.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact KPD Dispatch at 808-241-1711 or Lt. Kennison Nagahisa at 808-241-1705 and knagahisa@kauai.gov. Those wishing to remain anonymous can provide information by calling Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi at 808-246-8300, submitting a tip at cskauai.org, or through the Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi P3 Tips Mobile App, available for download on Android and Apple mobile devices.