Posted on: Saturday, September 11, 2004

Brushfire damages Kihei homes

By Christie Wilson
Neighbor Island Editor

WAILUKU, Maui — A brushfire in Kihei yesterday damaged six residential properties, including serious fire damage to one home.

The fire, reported at 4:44 p.m. along Pi'ilani Highway in north Kihei, burned only a half-acre of brush and was under control at 6:45 p.m. But flying embers landed on the carport roof of a house on Kinaole Circle, causing an estimated $100,000 in damage, assistant fire chief Frank Tam said. The Red Cross helped the displaced family find temporary quarters.

Three homes on Kaiola Street suffered minor damage, including a burned shed and $2,500 in damage to landscaping. A home on Koki Street and another on Kuilima Street had a few scorched shingles.

Nine fire companies from Kihei, Wailea, Kahului and Wailuku fought the blaze, which caused traffic tie-ups on Pi'ilani Highway.