Arson findings shock Waialua

By Will Hoover
Advertiser North Shore Writer

Residents of Waialua expressed shock yesterday when they learned the fire that destroyed a 65-year-old former social center — along with the book inventory of the Friends of Waialua Library stored there — was apparently deliberately set.

"I think it's awful if it true," said Tim Littlejohn, Waialua librarian.

According to Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Kenison Tejada, the Tuesday fire at the annex to the old Waialua Sugar Co. administrative building was intentionally set.

Tejada said fire inspectors reached their conclusion after finding traces of ignitable fluid in the one-story building's main hall. The building, owned by Dole Food Co., had been used for storage for several years.

Tejada said contents valued at $52,000 were lost in the fire, including the Friends' inventory of 2,000 books, which were intended for sales to raise money for the library a block away, and 35,000 pounds of coffee stored by Dole.

"It really bothers me," said Jeanine Pasoquen, who had worked for three years on getting grants to restore the old building. "People in this community are just so sad about this. There's so much history in that building. I was just talking to some women who told me they were married there."