"Officials asked for the public’s help to end a string of suspicious fires in North Kona and South Kohala in 2016." Credit: State Department of Land and Natural Resources
Arson is no laughing matter. The lives and safety of firefighters are put at risk when a fire ignites. Our land and waters take a hit. Our families and homes are put in harm's way.
From the Source:
“Anytime firefighters go out to unnecessary fires, it takes away from something else they could be doing and eats up funding,” Laura Mallery-Sayre, co-founder of the foundation.
"In March 2016, the foundation and fire department renewed attention to the fund after about a dozen suspicious fires flared up in West Hawaii.
Since Rosario became chief in 2011, he said, there have been no convictions in arson wildfires.
'They’re hard to solve because we really rely on eye-witness statements,' he said."
"The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity that could lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspected arsonist(s).
Rosario encouraged residents to report vehicles and license plate numbers if seen parked along the highway where it’s not a normal place to park. Throwing something out of the vehicle could also cause an intentional fire.
The chief said arsonists will also take to social media."