Police Looking for Suspected Arsonist

The Kaua‘i Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating an unidentified individual suspected of arson.

At approximately 5:15 p.m. on April 26, security cameras captured an unknown individual exiting a parked white Toyota Corolla on the northbound shoulder of Puhi Road across from Puhi Metals Recycling Facility. The individual then proceeded to walk around the vehicle and set fire to a patch of dry grass along the shoulder before returning to the vehicle and fleeing the scene.

Kaua‘i Fire Department and Līhu‘e rescue personnel responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. Upon further investigation, it was concluded that an accelerant was not used to start the fire.

“It is crucial that we find these perpetrators that pose an unnecessary danger to our Kaua‘i Fire Department personnel and neighbors,” said Investigative Services Bureau Assistant Chief Bryson Ponce. “These types of crimes are usually carried out by repeat offenders who have no concern for how quickly these fires can spread through wind and dry grass. They rarely consider the tremendous consequences their actions pose to our island and personal property. We are fortunate that this fire was contained and extinguished before it could spread to a nearby residential neighborhood.”

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call KPD Dispatch at 241-1711.

Anonymous tips can also be made online by visiting Crime Stoppers Kauaʿi at www.cskauai.org.