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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 7:49 a.m., Friday, September 28, 2007

Suspicious fire on Big Island under investigation

Advertiser Staff

Big Island police are investigating a house fire Wednesday in the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision of lower Puna.

Puna patrol officers were sent to Limu street around 1 p.m. after numerous nearby residents reported seeing smoke and flames coming from a vacant house there. A fire inspector who reported to the scene advised police that the origin of the fire was suspicious.

Witnesses reported seeing a vehicle containing several male occupants in the area just before the home caught fire. They described one of the men as having a dark complexion, black hair and a round face, possibly in his 40s. Another occupant was described as having a dark complexion, short black hair, possibly in his 20s, about 5-foot-7, 150 pounds with a slim build.

The vehicle was described as a faded gold or yellow older-model Ford Aerostar minivan with mirrored tint on the windows that appeared to be peeling off in certain areas. The van had a very loud exhaust system or possibly no muffler.

Investigators would like to identify and speak with these individuals.

No one is known to have been injured in the blaze, which destroyed the structure.

No monetary estimate of the damage has been given at this time. Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Section are continuing the investigation.

Police ask anyone with information about the identity or location of the individuals sought to call Detective Ian LeeLoy at 808-961-2381 or the police nonemergency number at 808-935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call CrimeStoppers at 808-961-8300 in Hilo or 808-329-8181 in Kona. All CrimeStoppers information is kept confidential.