A 56-year-old man was taken to Straub Hospital this morning with first- and second-degree burns after fire gutted the studio apartment he rented in a Kapi‘olani area highrise.

A second man who lived downstairs was treated on the scene for smoke inhalation after smoke poured through the shattered windows, said Capt. Richard Soo, Honolulu Fire Department spokesman.

Eight fire companies responded following the 2:48 a.m. alarm at Holiday Manor, a 16-story building at 1650 Kanunu St.

Officials estimated damages at the 10th-floor studio apartment at $60,000 to the structure and $5,000 to the contents.

The fire started because of an untended pot of oil being used to cook french fries, Soo said.

The resident attempted to extinguish the fire by covering the pot with another pot, he said. When that failed he doused it with water, he added, which spread the burning oil.

However, the victim helped to contain the damage by closing the front door to prevent spreading of the fire and pulled the fire alarm, Soo said.

Tips wanted in robbery case

Police are seeking tips to identify two male suspects in their late 20s in an armed robbery that occurred yesterday near the main entrance to the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet.

One suspect allegedly entered the swap meet at 12:40 p.m. and grabbed a generator from the back of a jewelry stall.

He is described as being of part-Filipino ancestry, 5 feet 5 inches tall, 140 pounds with a slim build. He had short, dark-brown hair with blond tips and a tan complexion, and wore a gray tank top, knee-length oversized denim shorts and slippers.

The vendor chased the suspect, who allegedly ran to a late model gray, two-door sedan. The second suspect, the driver of the vehicle allegedly pointed a handgun at the vendor.

He then allegedly drove around the vendor, nearly striking a group of women.

The driver is described as having a slim build, medium-length brown hair with blond and orange highlights. He was wearing a light colored, short sleeve T-shirt and had a dark gray or black semi-automatic handgun.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Taro Nakamura, 529-3392 or file an anonymous report with CrimeStoppers, 955-8300 or *CRIME on a cellular phone.

Man found dead at Makena Beach

The body of a 34-year-old Wailuku man was recovered last night after he was spotted floating face down on the "Little Beach" end of Makena Beach.

Police identified the apparent drowning victim, discovered at about 6:30 p.m., as Charles D. Hurt. Witnesses reported seeing him swimming in the area 20 minutes before his body was found.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death, said Kihei police Sgt. Roger Duchane.

Man charged in June 25 robbery

A 29-year-old man was charged yesterday for the robbery of an elderly woman Tuesday in Waipahu.

Bryan Tubania is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail and was charged with second-degree robbery.