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Home blaze causes $170,000 in damage

A Christmas morning fire destroyed a Hilo home, causing more than $170,000 in damage.

The cause of the fire, which started about 8:30 a.m., is still under investigation.

Officials said the American Red Cross of Hawaii was assisting three adults -- a father and his two sons -- left homeless in the fire. The father and one son were at home when the blaze started, but were uninjured.

Fire Capt. James Tomosada said one son was asleep when the blaze erupted. The father woke him up and both were able to get out of the burning home.

About 14 Hawaii County firefighters responded to the home at 1539 Railroad Ave., and had the blaze under control within 15 minutes.

According to the home's owner, flames started in the middle bedroom and spread north toward the living room, then into another two bedrooms and the kitchen.

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Police, Fire, Courts



By Star-Bulletin staff

LEEWARD OAHU

2 brothers charged in fatal stabbing

Charges were filed against two brothers allegedly involved in the stabbing death Thursday of a 26-year-old co-worker.

Alberto Tagari, 31, was charged with second-degree murder yesterday. His bail has been set at $100,000. His 25-year-old brother, Henrico, has been charged with hindering prosecution and is being held in lieu of $25,000 bail.

The stabbing took place at Waipahu Island Landscaping, located at 96-075 Farrington Highway, about 5 p.m. Police say Alberto Tagari allegedly stabbed the victim over a card game.

The brothers fled after the attack, but later turned themselves in at the Kalihi police station.

WINDWARD OAHU

Boy is seriously hurt after car hits moped

An 11-year-old boy was in serious condition after being struck by a car while riding a moped with his father on Keolu Drive yesterday and being thrown on the windshield of another vehicle, Kailua police said.

The boy and his father were traveling Waimanalo-bound on Keolu Drive when a car hit them while trying to make a left turn into Keolu Elementary School.

Police said the boy was thrown from the moped into oncoming traffic.

The boy's father was thrown to the ground and sustained minor injuries.

The boy, who had a broken leg and other injuries, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, which the father was cited for, police said.

Speed and alcohol are not believed to be factors in the crash.