Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 80° Today's Paper


Top News

Fire damages 2 businesses at Kalihi warehouse complex

Fire investigators returned to a Kalihi warehouse today to try to determine the cause of a fire that damaged two businesses Monday night.

The alarm was turned in at 10:06 p.m. Firefighters arrived at 206 Mokauea St. three minutes later and had the blaze under control by 10:45 p.m., said Capt. Terry Seelig, Honolulu Fire Department spokesman.

The fire damaged the interior of VIP Auto and Towing and Red Light Sound recording studio on the mezzanine above the towing service.

Three people who were in the building were not hurt. There is nothing to suggest that the fire was maliciously set, Seelig said.

He said Monday night’s fire was in the same warehouse complex where a fire destroyed three business three months ago. However, Seelig said there is nothing at this time to suggest the two fires are connected.

On May 31, a fire broke out at 12:40 a.m. at 156 Mokauea St. and caused about $400,000 damage to the businesses — Koele’s Ono Mochi, Ohana Shells and Hula Supply and Car Audio Evolution. Three vehicles in back of the building were also damaged. Fire investigators were unable to determine the cause of the May fire which appeared to have started in the rear of the building. It took 40 firefighters, 5 engines and 2 ladders about three hours to extinguish that fire because firefighters had to peel off layers of roofing material to cool down smoldering wooden sheeting on the roof.

Comments are closed.