Maui woman’s death classified as a murder
A 25-year-old man was arrested Friday, then released pending further investigation into the death of a Maui woman.
Maui police acting Lt. Darrell Ramos said the man has not been charged.
The victim was identified as Gail Otsuka, 61, of Kahului, who had suspicious injuries, police said. Police classified it as a murder case.
Otsuka’s body was found by her niece’s boyfriend, who reported smoke coming from her Molokai Akau Street residence. He noticed items smoldering on the stove and her body in her bedroom, police said.
Police responded to the call at 7:40 a.m. Friday and had the suspect in custody less than an hour later.
Power repairs continuing on Big Island
Hawaii Electric Light Co. has restored power to all but 360 customers affected by Saturday’s storm.
HELCO officials said Monday that repairs were completed in Ainaloa, Mauna Loa Estates, Orchidland, Nanawale, Hawi (except for Beers Road), portions of Honokaa and Ahualoa, most of lower Puna, Puukapu and most of the Volcano area.
The crews will resume working Tuesday in Ahualoa, Beers Road, Discovery Harbor, Fern Acres, Hawaiian Acres, Honokaa, Kalopa Mauka, Kau, lower Puna, Paauilo, Volcano and Wood Valley.
HELCO spokeswoman Rhea Lee warned that downed power lines should be treated as energized and dangerous, and that fallen or damaged utility equipment should not be handled or moved.
Customers who have not yet reported a power outage should call 969-6666.
