Police Seeking Man at Scene of Kona Church Arson

Big Island police are seeking to question a man caught on surveillance video at the scene of a suspicious fire.

Kona Police responded to a reported blaze at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Captain Cook at 6:10 a.m., Thursday (Feb. 26).  Officers arrived to find firefighters on the scene and the north rear entrance of the building fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters put the fire out and determined that it was started on purpose.  Damages are estimated at over $80,000 and were limited to the north side of the church.

Detectives of the Area II Criminal Investigations Section are investigating the incident as arson.  They obtained a photograph from surveillance video picturing a tall Caucasian male in his 50s with a large build and light hair with a receding hairline and mustache.  The man was wearing dark shorts, a long-sleeved, light colored shirt, and rubber slippers.

Police are asking anyone who knows the identity of the man or has information relating to the incident to call the Police Department’s non-emergency number at 935-3311, or to contact Detective Sean Smith at 326-4646, ext. 262, or e-mail at ssmith@co.hawaii.hi.us, or Detective Walter Ah Mow at 326-4646, ext. 238, or wahmow@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Those who wish to remain anonymous can call the statewide Crime Stoppers hotline at 961-8300.  Tipsters may be eligible to receive a reward of up to $1,000.  Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens, and does not record calls or use caller ID.  All information gathered is kept confidential.