HILO » The smell of smoke lingered in the air Wednesday as children in sports uniforms ventured toward the playground next to the Waiakea Uka Gym.

The gym caught fire Wednesday morning, which caused an estimated $65,000 in damage and disrupted many recreational programs.

"There are a lot of kids who use that gym every day," lamented Hawaii island resident Lawai Martines, who was parked outside the gym Wednesday.

Hawaii County police said crews responded to the fire about 4:30 a.m.

When they arrived, they found the fire had started in the northwest corner of the facility.

Capt. Robert Wagner, commander of the Hilo Criminal Investigation Division, said damage to the walls and roof is estimated at $65,000 and the cause is still unknown.

Mason Souza, recreation administrator for Hawaii County, said it was the main sports gym for the Waiakea community.

"It was used for basketball, volleyball," he said. "Everyone loved it."

Jason Armstrong, public information officer with the county Department of Parks and Recreation, said the blaze was a blow to the many who use the gym for sports, senior activities and intercession youth programs.

The county is in the process of rescheduling winter athletic games and looking into repairing the gym.