HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
NORTH KOHALA DISTRICT
CAPTAIN JOHN DAWRS
PHONE: 889-6540
JUNE 25, 2000
G-33021
MEDIA RELEASE
On June 25, 2000, at 4:55 a.m., emergency dispatch received a report of a structural fire in the Kokoiki area of North Kohala. At 5:07 a.m., responding fire units found a stand-alone garage that had been converted into a living area completely engulfed in flames. By 5:36 a.m., firefighters had the fire out and discovered a badly burned body in the remains of the structure.
According to the lessee of the property, he had allowed a 47-year-old homeless female to stay in the structure. He last saw her at the residence t approximately 12:30 A.M. The lessee stated that he was sleeping in a separate building and was awakened by a loud noise coming from the building where the female was staying. When he looked at the structure, he saw the windows were already blown out and flames were shooting out. After calling 911, he immediately began trying to fight the fire with a garden hose. He received burns on his arms and face as he fought the fire. Damage to the structure and contents is estimated at $5,000.
The body was transported to the Kona Community Hospital for an autopsy to determine the cause of death and positive identity of the victim. Kona Criminal Investigation Section detectives have been contacted and are continuing the investigation. The death is being investigated as a coroner’s inquest.
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