Fire damage to Maui hotel put at $1M

By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui County Bureau

WAILEA, Maui — The Maui Department of Fire Control yesterday estimated $1 million in damage from Tuesday's fire at the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea that caused the evacuation of about 1,100 people.

The estimate, which includes $700,000 in damage to the seven-story structure and $300,000 in damage to contents, occurred mostly in the laundry room, where the fire started, and on the fifth floor, where smoke set off fire-protection sprinklers, said Assistant Fire Chief Alan Cordeiro.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but it appears accidental, he said.

Hotel spokesman Jim Kennedy said the hotel had yet to complete its own damage assessment.

Carpeting on the fifth floor that was damaged by water was quickly replaced, but the laundry will remain closed for a month, Kennedy said.

Only 12 guests were moved to other accommodations Tuesday night, he said, and all 380 rooms are available for guests.