Hawaii County firefighters are investigating a fire that caused an estimated $110,000 in damage to a structure in Kona.
The blaze broke out Monday night at a residential structure still under construction at 92-9033 Tree Fern Lane in Captain Cook. Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after 7 p.m. and observed flames had engulfed a two-story structure, according to a statement from the Fire Department. The fire had also scorched nearby brush and power lines.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control at 8:10 p.m. and extinguished it at 11:45 p.m.
No injuries were reported.
State officials issue quarantine reminder
State officials are reminding those traveling to the Big Island for the Merrie Monarch Festival this week not to transport ohia from the island because the plants could be contaminated with rapid ohia death, a disease that is devastating native forests there.
A quarantine restricting the transport of ohia from the Big Island applies to the flowers, leaves, seeds, stems, twigs, cuttings, untreated wood, logs, mulch, green waste and frass (sawdust from boring insects) and soil. To transport those items, individuals must have a permit issued by the state Department of Transportation.
KAUAI
New police chief sworn in at change of command
Todd Raybuck was sworn in Monday as the new chief of the Kauai Police Department at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall.
Acting Chief Michael Contrades, following the change-of-command ceremony, now serves as deputy chief.
Raybuck retired in February as captain from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, where he served nearly 27 years in various roles including commander of the Organized Crime Bureau, executive lieutenant to the LVMPD/Clark County sheriff, shift commander on the Las Vegas Strip tourist and resort corridor, and detective assignments in the narcotics, vice and criminal intelligence sections.
