MEDIA RELEASE

Kona police have arrested a 24-year-old Kailua-Kona man in connection with a suspicious fire Wednesday (August 2, 2006) that caused significant damage to a secondary structure on a lot in Kalaoa.

When Kona patrol officers responded to a 1:10 p.m. report of a structure fire on Ahikawa Street, they found a converted garage engulfed in flames. Through investigation, police determined that the fire may have been deliberately set by a man related to the owner of the property and that he may have used an accelerant.

The suspect sustained burns to both feet and was taken from the scene to Kona Community Hospital, where he is being treated for his injuries.

He was arrested Wednesday afternoon on suspicion of criminal property damage and burglary. He has not been charged.

The fire destroyed one-third of the converted garage. Financial damages have yet to be determined.

The Area II Criminal Investigations Section is continuing the investigation.