Two victims of former Pueo Poi Factory structure fire identified

Hawai‘i Island police identified the two women who died in the Nov. 29, 2025, structure fire at the former Pueo Poi factory on Kekuanaoa Street in Hilo.

The victims were 72-year-old Antoinette Amii and a 56-year-old Neilla Lee, who were tenants of the former factory building that was converted into an apartment building.

Autopsies were performed; final results are pending.

Police and Hawai‘i Fire Department investigators do not suspect foul play at this time.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Detective Michael Matsumura with Hawai‘i Police Department Area I Criminal Investigation Section at 808-961-2386 or via email at Michael.Matsumura@hawaiicounty.gov.

You can also call the police department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311.