Pastor, nine relatives escape fire in Makaha

By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Rev. Kaleo Patterson, his wife and parents, and six other family members barely escaped a fire early Sunday that damaged their four-bedroom home at 84-632 Widemann St. in Makaha.

"We're just thankful everyone got out of the house," the Rev. Kaleo Patterson said. Advertiser library photo

Fire Capt. Kenison Tejada said an electrical problem in a garage washroom is suspected of causing the 2:13 a.m. fire, which damaged the carport, patio and part of the family dwelling. Damage is estimated at $200,000 to structures and $50,000 to contents, said Tejada.

Patterson said the family got out with only the clothing they were wearing. His father, Baldo, also managed to get his medication and car keys.

The Hawai'i Chapter of the American Red Cross assisted the family with temporary housing, clothing and food. Patterson said an older two-bedroom house behind the one that burned was not damaged.

"We lived in a tent after Hurricane Iniki, so we'll be fine," Patterson said. "God is always with us, helping us in any trials. There's always hope no matter how hard or difficult things are."

In addition to his parents, wife and two of his children, ages 13 and 10, Patterson said others displaced by the fire include a son and his fiancée, both 24, and their 3-year-old child, and a 9-year-old nephew.

The fire was reported under control at 2:27 a.m.

Kaui Nishimura, a Wai'anae resident, and his friend, David Chung, alerted the family to the fire, Patterson said.

"They were angels sent by God," he said.

Correction: The Rev. Kaleo Patterson is pastor of Ka Hana O Ke Akua Church in Wai'anae. A previous version of this story misspelled the name of the church. Also, Baldo Patterson's name was misspelled.