The Honolulu Fire Department has concluded that a Makiki Heights house fire that killed two people last week was intentionally lit and have turned their findings over to police arson investigators.

Fire investigators classified the cause of the fire as incendiary, the department said this afternoon in a news release.

Fire Capt. Terry Seelig said it was now up to police to classify the incident as a crime.

The early-morning fire destroyed a three-story, five-bedroom home at 2069 Mauna Place on April 23.

Forty firefighters from five engine companies, two ladder companies and a rescue unit battled the fire, which engulfed the structure.

Damage was estimated at $500,000 to the building and $50,000 to the contents.

The dead have been identified as Larry Fair, 58, and Khristy Ray Sasaki Bartlett, 38.

Autopsies determined both died of smoke inhalation.

Neighbors reported a loud argument coming from the house shortly before the fire began.

The home's owner, H.R.H. Fleur, told reporters the argument was between her grandson and Bartlett and involved accusations of a stolen moped.