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Police seek witnesses to recent Leeward Oahu brush fires

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / AUG. 5

Fire consumes dry brush in Makaha Valley on August 5.

Honolulu CrimeStoppers and police are seeking the public’s help in locating any witnesses who may have information on any of the recent brush fires in Leeward Oahu, one of which was determined to be suspicious.

“Someone might know something, “said Sgt. Chris Kim, coordinator of CrimeStoppers.

According to Kim, police determined the brush fire that broke out in Ewa on Aug. 8 was suspicious. The fire burned two acres along Farrington Highway between Kualakai Parkway and Kahi Mohala.

Police arrested a man and a woman, both 37, on suspicion of second-degree arson. Both were released pending further investigation.

Honolulu Fire Spokesman Capt. Scot Seguirant said they have not determined whether the Ewa brush fire or the other brush fires in Kapolei, Waianae and Makaha were intentionally set.

The fire department is still investigating the causes of the fires.

On Aug. 7, firefighters responded to a brush fire near the Ka Makana Alii shopping center in Kapolei that burned nine acres and prompted an evacuation of the mall.

Two large brush fires in Waianae and Makaha that broke out on Aug. 4 scorched 8,800 acres including 17 farm lots at the state’s Waianae Agricultural Park. Several farm structures that include a dwelling, trailers, sheds and shade houses were destroyed by the fire.

Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity relating to the brush fires in Leeward Oahu is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300.

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