Electrical malfunction sparks garage fire

Investigators have determined a fire in the garage of a Lanikai home earlier this month was caused by an electrical outlet malfunction, fire officials said Thursday.

The blaze badly damaged the garage and destroyed a late-model BMW sports car parked there. Smoke spread to portions of the house, adding to an estimated $310,000 in damage caused by the fire, which began at 5:25 a.m. Jan. 9.

Overturned kayak leads to ocean search

Federal and local authorities were searching for a possible missing diver after an overturned kayak was found in the ocean Thursday off Kualoa Regional Park.

Some stand-up paddlers noticed the kayak drifting about a quarter-mile outside the breakers and thought a diver might be using it, said fire Capt. Terry Seelig. The paddlers did not see anyone and eventually went to the kayak, brought it in and notified firefighters who were doing training in the area.

Firefighters launched a helicopter, a boat and a personal watercraft to scan the ocean and also walked along the beach, Seelig said. The Coast Guard dispatched its cutter Ahi and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and planned to search through the night, said Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Angela Henderson.

Anyone with information about the diver is asked to call police, fire or Coast Guard Sector Honolulu at 842-2600.