Another Suspected Arson Fire Discovered Early Sunday

Another brush fire believed to be the result of arson was reported early Sunday morning along Route 190 in West Hawai`i.

Battalion Chief Ty Medeiros said the latest fire was reported at about 2 a.m. Sunday on the makai side of the highway near the 17-mile marker.

The fire blackened about four acres before being extinguished, Medeiros said today.

It was at least the eighth brush fire of suspicious origin since Nov. 25 over a 10-mile stretch of the mauka highway linking Waimea and Kailua-Kona.

Both the police and fire departments are continuing their investigations.

Police are asking the public to immediately report any suspicious activity in the area by calling 935-3311. Anyone with information on the cause of the fires is encouraged to contact Det. Levon Stevens at 326-4646, ext. 275, or lstevens@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Anonymous tipsters can call Crime Stoppers at 329-8181.