Ka‘ū Woman Charged in Arson Investigation

A Big Island woman faces arson charges following an investigation into a structure fire in Nā‘ālehu.

Brenda Kekoa was charged Tuesday, May 31, with two counts of first-degree arson after Hawai‘i Police Department detectives located and arrested her, with assistance from Ka‘ū patrol, at a residence in Nā‘ālehu. Kekoa was wanted in connection with an arson investigation following a structure fire at about 11:30 p.m. May 9 in the 95-1200 block of Ohai Road.

Prior to the arrival of Ka‘ū patrol officers, the fire spread to a neighboring residence, creating a second structure fire. No one was seriously injured. During the course of their investigation, detectives with HPD’s Area II Criminal Investigation Section determined the fire was intentionally set and Kekoa was responsible.

Kekoa was charged after police conferred with the Hawai‘i County prosecutor’s office. Her bail was set at $20,000, and she made her initial court appearance Wednesday, June 1, in Kona District Court.

Hawai‘i Island police thank the public for its assistance with locating Kekoa.

Anyone with information about this arson investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Anson Caceres at 808-326-4646, ext. 225, or via email at anson.caceres@hawaiicounty.gov, or call the police department’s nonemergency line at 808-935-3311.

Those who want to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.