Old bowling alley building in South Kona catches fire; $1.7 million reported in damages

No injuries were reported following a structure fire at a historic building in Kainaliu Sunday morning.

Hawai‘i Fire Department responded to the blaze at 8:28 a.m., located at the approximate 12,000-square-foot two-story building that once housed the old bowling alley off Hawai‘i Belt Road, which is now used by businesses and renters.

When crews arrived on scene, flames were visible from the second story and there was heavy smoke, a press release from the fire department indicated.

Hawai‘i Island police responded to assist with traffic as the road was shut down from 10 a.m. till almost 1 p.m. between Basques Way and Honuaino Street. Hawaiian Electric also responded to secure utility lines in the area.

Multiple fire companies responded to assist in stamping out the blaze, totaling 32 firefighters. The flames were brought under control by 9:35 a.m. and out at 2:54 p.m. No damage was noted to exposed nearby structures.

The estimated damage to the building is $1.76 million. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.