HILO >> The smell of smoke lingered in the air while children in sports uniforms ventured toward the playground aside of the Waiakea Uka Gym in Hilo, which caught fire Wednesday morning.

Hawaii island resident Lawai Martines was parked outside of the gym when he became aware that the recreation center had suffered $65,000 worth of damage earlier that morning.

“Oh, that’s why it’s closed,” he said. “There are a lot of kids who use that gym every day.”

Hawaii County police said Wednesday that officials responded to the fire about 4:30 a.m. When they arrived, they found the fire had started in the northwest corner of the facility.

Capt. Robert Wagner, commander of the Hilo Criminal Investigation Division, said the estimated cost of damage to the walls and roof area is about $65,000  and the cause is still unknown.  

Mason Souza, recreation administrator for Hawaii County, said it was the main sports gym for the Waiakea community. “It was used for basketball, volleyball. Everyone loved it,” he said.