Posted on: Thursday, November 20, 2003

Police identify suspects in Hilo arson

By Kevin Dayton
Advertiser Big Island Bureau

HILO, Hawai'i — Big Island police say they have identified two men and two women who are responsible for an August fire that destroyed the home of an 80-year-old Hilo woman.

Police yesterday said they have turned over to the Big Island Prosecutor's Office the results of their investigation. The fire did an estimated $250,000 damage to the home at 61 Hala'i St.

County prosecutors will decide whether to seek a grand jury indictment against the four, who range in age from 21 to 32. No one has been arrested or charged yet, detectives said.

Police said members of the group were breaking into a car on Aug. 13 when they were caught in the act by the owner. The suspects then sped away in a second car, a light-colored Honda that police said had been stolen.

The group drove to Hala'i Street, where they parked the car in a carport and set it afire, police said. Flames spread to the house, which was destroyed.

The owner of the house was not at home at the time.