Liberty House
Kailua, Penney fires
were set

The arson was committed
as a diversion for thefts

Star-Bulletin staff

Police arson investigators believe two department store fires this month were set to cover up thefts.

Both the Sept. 11 fire at JC Penney's Ala Moana store and yesterday's blaze at Liberty House in Kailua were deliberately set, possibly as a diversionary tactic for theft, say police.

Clothing racks in the junior departments were set on fire in both cases.

The Sept. 11 incident was reported at 8:15 p.m., while yesterday's fire occurred at 2:45 p.m.

The Liberty House fire caused extensive smoke and water damage and forced the evacuation of several dozen people.

By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin
Firefighters mop up yesterday after a four-alarm
blaze at Liberty House in Kailua.

A cashier told police that a female customer, about 16-19 years old, was acting suspiciously in the area where yesterday's fire started. Items in another section of the store's "Generations" department were later reported missing.

Fire Capt. Richard Soo said no one was injured but that 22 employees and about 20 customers had to be evacuated after smoke filled both floors of the building on 573 Kailua Road. The department store also had to shut down early for the day following the 2:30 p.m. fire.

Damage had not yet been assessed, but an activated sprinkler head kept the fire confined, Soo said.

The Penney fire caused less than $2,000 damage to clothing.

Arson investigators say both fires appear to have been ignited by direct flame.