Man injured trying to douse fire

A two-alarm fire destroyed a four-bedroom home yesterday and seriously injured an 80-year-old man who tried to fight it in Waipahu.

About 40 firefighters responded to the 1:48 p.m. fire at 94-449 Hiahia Loop and found the home fully involved, said Honolulu fire Capt. Terry Seelig. Firefighters brought the fire under control at 2:09 p.m.

Damages were estimated at $450,000 to the home and its contents. The cause remained undetermined.

Seelig said a man and his charge were able to get out without life-threatening injuries. Lina Quezon, who lives at the home, said her husband Aguinaldo was singed while trying to put out the fire. He was to a hospital for treatment.

DNA leads to arrest in 2009 burglary

DNA evidence recovered at the scene of a Manoa burglary in 2009 led to the arrest of a suspect Thursday, police said.

Prosecutors charged John Jay McGarry, 41, with first- degree burglary Thursday morning in connection with the Oct. 20, 2009, burglary of a Manoa residence. Bail for McGarry was set at $50,000.

Police said they matched DNA found at the scene to McGarry in October.

Spate of mail thefts reported in Puna

Someone has been opening mailboxes and removing mail in rural Puna subdivisions since last month, Hawaii County police said.

Police ask the public to check their mailboxes for damage and report any suspicious activity.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Keaau Police Station at 966-5835.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Hilo burglary suspect caught on videotape

Big Island police are asking for help in identifying a man caught on videotape believed to be burglarizing a Hilo business in December.

Police described the man as having a slim to medium build and a mustache, and that he was wearing a cap. He was seen on security video of a burglary prior to 6:49 a.m. Dec. 23 at a business at Leilani Street and Kanoelehua Avenue.

Anyone who might know the identity of the burglar is asked to call Detective Paul Fukuda at 961-2381.

Anonymous tipsters may call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 or 329-8181.

2 are charged in trespassing, illegal hunting

Two men have been charged with illegally hunting on state land, Big Island police said.

Kona officers responded to a report of a gunshot near Puulani Ranch subdivision at about 5:45 p.m. last Saturday. Officers determined that five men and a girl were hunting on state property.

Eric Kennel, 21, of Puuanahulu was charged with hunting violations and trespassing. Max Simon, 20, of Kailua-Kona was charged with trespassing. A third man was arrested but released pending investigation.