Afternoon fire torches home in Waipahu

Nine fire companies with 35 firefighters responded a two-alarm fire Wednesday that engulfed a two-story home in Waipahu.

The firefighters found smoke and flames emanating from most of the structure at 94-043 Waikele Loop, Honolulu Fire Department Capt. David Jenkins said.

The flames were brought under control at 5:24 p.m. and were extinguished by 6:13.

A man and woman in the home at the time the fire started noticed an odor of smoke and escaped without injury, Jenkins said. The American Red Cross was assisting.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

3 booked in King Street prostitution case

Three people were indicted and arrested Wednesday in connection with a prostitution business in Pawaa, a prosecutor’s office spokesman said.

Police arrested the three at about 1:30 p.m. in the area of Gogo Spa, 1507 S. King St.

Arrested are: Katchina Moore, 41, of Kaimuki; Rickey Lee Shankles, 52, whose address is the same as Gogo Spa; and Katherine Luo, 54, of Pawaa.

All three were indicted on a charge of illegal ownership of a business. Their bails were set between $10,000 and $50,000.

A prosecutor’s office spokesman said in a statement that the three were indicted in connection with operating a business used for prostitution.

The prosecutor’s office will hold a news conference at 11 a.m. today with police and U.S. Homeland Security to discuss the case.