Molokai brush fire is still unchecked
Maui County firefighters resumed efforts Monday morning to put out a 200-acre brush fire in Kaunakakai, Molokai.
Crews monitored the perimeter of the fire near Hoomalu Drive overnight Sunday.
The fire was reported just after 1 p.m. Sunday. It was considered contained but not under control around 6 p.m.
County fire officials said flames got within 50 feet of homes in Kalamaula Mauka, just west of Kaunakakai. The fire burned a shipping container with about $5,000 worth of appliances inside.
The fire was burning in thick kiawe, and crews were expected to be on scene throughout the day Monday.
The brush fire is the fourth on Molokai since Friday.
Two others began in Hoolehua Saturday. One burned about 1,600 square feet of brush next to Kalae Highway near Maunaloa Avenue. Another fire scorched about 9,000 square feet on Keonelele Avenue and Launui Street west of Hoolehua Airport. The causes are under investigation.
On Friday a fire that investigators believe was started by fireworks burned a small patch of brush on the side of Kalae Highway in the Kualapuu area.
3 teens arrested in attack on bus driver
Police arrested three juvenile males Sunday in an attack on a bus driver and damage of a bus in the Hawaii Kai area.
Police said the teenagers — two of them 15 years old and another 16 years old — were asked by a bus operator to stop eating on his bus. When the boys refused, the bus driver asked them to leave the bus.
An argument followed, and the boys allegedly attacked the driver. Two of the suspects also damaged the bus door and a window before running. The bus driver also realized his identification card was missing.
Police were summoned, and three youths were found, one carrying the bus driver’s identification card.
The three boys face charges of interference with the operator of a public transit vehicle, unauthorized possession of personal information and fourth-degree criminal property damage. City ordinances prohibit eating or drinking on the bus, except from a spillproof container.
Fatal Waikiki stabbing ruled self-defense
The suspect in a fatal stabbing following a confrontation over a stolen bag at Queen’s Surf Jan. 22 was released Sunday after prosecutors declined to take up the case, saying it was a case of self-defense.
Police arrested a 42-year-old man Friday.
Brycen Iona, 20, of Kaneohe died of stab wounds to his chest after he allegedly stole a bag near the concession areas at Queen’s Surf at about 2:25 a.m. Jan. 22.
The 42-year-old owner of the bag confronted Iona and several other men, and an argument ensued, police said.
Police alleged that Iona struck the bag owner, who allegedly stabbed Iona and another man.
A 39-year-old man initially was arrested right after the stabbing. He was later released because he had been mistakenly identified by witnesses and had nothing to do with the incident, said Dave Koga, spokesman for the city prosecutor’s office.
