StarBulletin.com

Maui police hunting suspects in series of car fires in Kihei


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POSTED: Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Maui police are investigating a string of 10 motor vehicle fires in Kihei, including three yesterday.

Acting police Lt. Robert Stuhr said the fires caused an estimated $24,300 in damage to the vehicles. He said police have no suspects but want to question two men.

Fire crews responded to fires involving seven vehicles from 1:06 to 1:47 a.m. Saturday on South Kihei Road, Keala Place, Kupuna Street and Hoolalei Way, all within a half-mile of each other.

Stuhr said police believe the fires started near Lulu's restaurant and bar and moved northward. One car fire on Kupuna Street spread to two other vehicles.

Stuhr said two cars were burned at about 5:03 a.m. yesterday outside the Paradise Gardens complex, about three miles from where the cars burned on Saturday. He said a portable restroom and a van were set on fire shortly afterward at a nearby construction site.

Stuhr said the men wanted for questioning were seen walking away from the fires and getting into a black pickup truck.

Stuhr said an accelerant was used to start the fires, but officials had not determined what kind.

Anyone with information about the fires is asked to call Maui CrimeStoppers at 242-6966.