Arson in Hawaii County
🚨 ARSON – Big Island Police Charge Kona Man with Arson and Terroristic Threatening 📍 Location: Hawaiʻi County 📅 Date: June 2, 2026 Hawai‘i Island police have arrested and charged 34-year-old Kaleb Paulus of Hilo in connection with an arson investigation and other offenses stemming from two incidents that occurred at a homeless encampment in Kailua-Kona on Monday, May 18, 2026. On 8:50 a.m. on May 18, Kona patrol officers responded to a report of a brush fire in the vicinity of Palani Road and Ane Keohokalole Highway. Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded and extinguished the fire. Upon investigation, it was determined that a homeless encampment, estimated to be 20 feet by 20 feet in size, had been consumed in the fire. An hour later at 9:50 a.m., officers responded to the same area following reports of an unknown type of disturbance. Upon arrival, officers contacted a female victim who reported that Paulus, while armed with a machete and carrying a gas can, threatened to kill her. The victim further reported that Paulus threatened to set property on fire and made statements indicating that he started the fire earlier that day. 📰 Full release: https://www.hawaiipolice.gov/police-charge-kona-man-with-arson-and-terroristic-threatening/ 📞 Have info? Crime Stoppers: (808) 961-8300 🚔 HCPD Non-Emergency: (808) 935-3311 🆘 Emergency: 911 ℹ️ Source: Hawaiʻi Police Department press release https://www.hawaiipolice.gov/police-charge-kona-man-with-arson-and-terroristic-threatening/ 🔍 Search Reports: searchssh.com 📧 Submit Reports: reportssh.com