Hawaiʻi County, several nonprofits respond to help those impacted by downtown Hilo fire

Hawaiʻi County worked closely with several nonprofits on Sunday to support residents impacted by a multi-structure fire that destroyed four downtown Hilo buildings along Kinoʻole Street and at the intersection of Kinoʻole and Haili Street.

The fire, which was reported shortly before 1 a.m., displaced seven residents and resulted in the evacuation of dozens more from nearby buildings.

No fatalities or injuries were reported.

“While we are grateful that no lives were lost, the impact on our community remains significant,” said Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda in a county release.

County agencies immediately began working with nonprofits — including the American Red Cross of Hawaiʻi, HOPE Services Hawaiʻi, The Salvation Army and Vibrant Hawaiʻi — following the blaze to provide essential services for displaced residents or those unable to immediately return to their homes.

The response and recovery efforts included a shelter at Clem Akina Park, located at 145 Wainaku St., which was later moved to the county’s Hoʻolulu Complex at 799 Piʻilani St. off Manono Street with meals and showers.

Transportation was provided by Hawaiʻi County Mass Transit Agency.

Evacuated residents were allowed to return to downtown by about 4 p.m. Sunday; however, the shelter remained open overnight for those still in need of assistance.

Hawaiʻi Fire Department personnel continued overhaul efforts at the scene of the blaze until Sunday evening.

The downtown fire followed another blaze early Saturday morning (Nov. 29) at the former Puʻuʻeo Poi Factory in Hilo — which is now a multi-family residential building.

That fire resulted in two fatalities and displacement of 28 residents, who were assisted by the Red Cross and HOPE Services.

Cause of each fire is unknown and both blazes remain under investigation.

Hawaiʻi Fire Department Chief Kazuo Todd had no new information Sunday afternoon about the former poi factory fire.

“Our community faced multiple tragic events this weekend, including the loss of two lives during a structure fire in Hilo on Saturday,” Alameda said. “On behalf of the County of Hawaiʻi, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those we lost.”

The mayor expressed his “profound gratitude” to first responders, who worked tirelessly and courageously during the weekend to protect life and property.

“Your service is invaluable,” Alameda said.

He also thanked nonprofit partners working closely with the county to provide essential support — including meals and shelter — to those impacted by both fires.

“These fires remind us that our greatest strength lies in our dedication to our community and compassion for those in need,” Alameda said.

Big Island Now will provide updates with additional and new information related to both blazes as it becomes available.

Sunday’s multi-structure fire in downtown Hilo is the third structure fire to happen during the past little more than a month in the East Hawaiʻi Community. The first was another deadly blaze that killed one person at the Wild Ginger Hotel, located at 100 Puʻuʻeo St. on the north side of town.