Firefighters survey the remains of a Kahala home destroyed by fire last night. An elderly woman died in the blaze, they said. Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

Her husband, Takashi Honda, was taken to Straub Clinic & Hospital for burns to his hands and face. He remained hospitalized today in fair condition.

Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Emmit Kane said firefighters responded to a 10:28 p.m. alarm and found the back of the home engulfed with flames.

Kane said the darkest burning patterns are in the middle of the house, centered in a large living area that includes a kitchen. He said there are no initial signs of foul play and fire investigators will start their investigation in the area with the heaviest burn patterns.

Courtney Honda, Lily's 16-year-old granddaughter, said her grandmother was trapped in the house and that people trying to help couldn't find her.

Keith Sonoda, who was in the area watching Monday Night Football at a friend's house, said he saw flames and ran up to the house and started banging on the walls, yelling to whomever was inside.

He said smoke was billowing from the windows and the heat was so intense that it forced him back. He said he went to the front door and yelled and screamed. He then tried banging on the garage door.

"We got the man out by screaming and yelling but we couldn't get the lady," he said, shaking his head. "Cannot feel too good about that."

Kane said Takashi Honda tried to put the fire out himself but couldn't.

Yesterday's death was the 14th structure fire fatality on O'ahu this year. Initial damage estimates are $450,000 to the building and the contents.