Kona Man Arrested on Suspicion of Arson in Connection to DKI Brush Fire

A Kailua-Kona was arrested in connection to a brush fire of Daniel K. Inouye Highway that scorched 150 acres near mile marker 50.

Hawai‘i Police Department’s South Kohala patrol officers responded to the blaze at 5:43 p.m. on Thursday, July 21. When they arrived on scene, HPD officials say officers found a badly burned man, later identified as 32-year-old Jonathan Carter.

Police immediately provided Carter with medical assistance until Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel arrived. Carter was transported to Queen’s North Hawai‘i Hospital with non-life threatening burn injuries.

As HFD personnel worked to contain the brush fire, officers began investigating the cause of the blaze. Upon closer examination, police determined that Carter may have been responsible for causing the fire.

Carter was arrested for arson and released from police custody pending further investigation. He remains hospitalized at this time.

No other injuries were reported and no structures were damaged as a result of the fire.

The highway was shut down overnight and into Friday afternoon so fire crews could battle the blaze. It is contained.

Police ask anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact Detective Tyler Prokopec at 808-326-4646 Ext. 2224; or by email at tyler.prokopec@hawaiicounty.gov. They may also contact the Hawai‘i Police Department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311.

Residents who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.