Police Investigating Fatal Structure Fire in Hilo

Hawai’i Island police are investigating a fatal structure fire that occurred early Wednesday morning, Oct. 22, 2025, on the 100 block of Puueo Street in Hilo.

At 2:00 a.m., South Hilo patrol officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded to a reported structure fire at a lodging establishment. Upon arrival, the structure was fully engulfed in flames, with portions of the building already collapsed.

Witnesses at the scene reported seeing flames coming from the roof. Responding officers contacted a 34-year-old female manager who reported that eight rooms were occupied at the time of the fire and all but two occupants had been accounted for.

After firefighters extinguished the blaze, a severely burnt body was discovered in the remnants of the structure. A search for the second unaccounted person remains ongoing.

Area I Criminal Investigation Section personnel and Hawai‘i Fire Department inspectors responded to the scene and are continuing the investigation, which is currently classified as a fire and a coroner’s inquest. The identity of the victim and the cause of the fire remain under investigation. 

An autopsy is scheduled for later this week to determine the exact cause of death. The identity of the victim is pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

The structure and its contents, with an estimated value of $1,402,100, were determined to be a total loss.

Police ask anyone who may have information about this incident to contact Detective Robert Kamau of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2384, or via email at robert.kamau@hawaiipolice.gov. Information may also be provided through the department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.