Honolulu Fire Department officials are investigating the cause of a fire that damaged a single-story residence in Kahuku and left eight people without shelter Friday.
The blaze was first reported at 12:40 p.m. at a Leleuli Street home. Arriving firefighters found thick, black smoke coming through the front door and a right-side window. The fire heavily damaged the kitchen before it was brought under control at 12:57 p.m. and extinguished at 1:28 p.m. Damage was estimated at $130,000 to the structure and $20,000 to its contents.
The American Red Cross Hawaii Chapter is assisting the three men, four women and infant who were displaced by the fire.
Kakaako house fire intentionally set
A Wednesday house fire in Kakaako has been ruled arson, according to Honolulu Fire Department investigators.
The noontime blaze caused about $300 in damage to a second-floor unit in a two-story, multifamily building at 961 Kawaiahao St. The fire was intentionally set, according to HFD investigators, who turned the case over to the Honolulu Police Department.
Kealohas agree to sell Hawaii Kai residence
Former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his deputy prosecutor wife, Katherine Kealoha, have agreed to sell their Hawaii Kai home while they fight corruption allegations in court.
The couple’s former attorney has a lien on the home because they owe him money, but a credit union is foreclosing on the home because the Kealohas haven’t been paying their mortgage.
The former attorney, Kevin Sumida, is asking a judge to allow the home to be sold. He fears that if the house is sold at a distressed price at foreclosure, there won’t be money left for him.
Sumida filed declarations Friday by the Kealohas saying they agree to list the home. His filing includes a real estate agent’s declaration saying she can sell the home for $1.2 million to $1.3 million.
