Man Arrested in Connection to Ocean View Arson

An arson investigation has been opened by the Hawai’i Police Department following a Tuesday evening fire in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates.

Ka’u district officers responded to a fire at 5:50 p.m. on the 92-8200 block of Bamboo Lane in HOVE.

Upon arrival, officers found the home in “total loss” condition. Two women and two teenage boys were reportedly in the home when it caught fire, according to authorities. No one was injured in the fire.

A little less than an hour after responding to the scene, police arrested James M. Thomas of Ocean View on suspicion of arson.

Thomas was also arrested on unrelated bench warrants and charged with violating terms of conditional discharge and two counts of contempt of court.

Authorities are holding Thomas at the Kona police cellblock as Area II Criminal Investigations Section detectives continue the arson investigation.

The Hawai’i Chapter of the American Red Cross said Wednesday afternoon that volunteers are responding to the fire and will meet with the affected residents.