Police Investigate Early Morning Fires in Downtown Hilo

Hawai’i Island police are investigating multiple structure fires that occurred in Downtown Hilo, early Sunday morning, November 30, 2025.

Shortly before 1:00 a.m. Sunday, South Hilo Patrol officers and Hawai’i Fire Department personnel responded to reported structure fires on the 200 block of Kinoole Street, and the 100 block of Keawe Street. Upon arrival, it was determined that a total of four buildings were fully engulfed in flames.

Police and Fire personnel immediately began efforts to evacuate the affected buildings, as well as nearby residences and residential complexes.

At approximately 6:20 a.m., Fire personnel were able to extinguish the flames, and begin an extensive search of the ruins.

Area I Criminal Investigation Section detectives and Hawai’i Fire Department inspectors responded to the scene and are continuing this investigation. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and at this time, police are not aware of anyone unaccounted for as a result of the fires.

The County of Hawai’i Department of Public Works (DPW) is assisting with clean up of debris on the roadway.

Due to hazardous downed electric lines, HELCO shut down electricity in the area, leaving a portion of Downtown Hilo without electricity. The power has since been restored.

Kinoole Street and Keawe Street, between Haili Street and Waianuenue Avenue, as well as Haili Street between Kinoole Street and Keawe Street, remain closed while police, fire, and DPW personnel remain on scene to continue this investigation. At this time there is no estimated time for the roads to reopen. Police ask motorists to exercise caution and avoid the area.

Police ask anyone with information about this case to call Detective Sybastian Keltner with the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2378 or email Sybastian.Keltner@hawaiicounty.gov or the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.