UPDATE: The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Investigator has classified the cause of
the fire that occurred on January 15, 2024 at Makalapa Elementary School as accidental.
The point of fire origin was an electrical outlet within a classroom. An electrical arc from
the outlet ignited the bookshelf fronting the outlet as well as structural wood members of
the building. The damage estimate is $1,046,000 to the property and $25,000 to the
contents.
Fire Safety Tip:
● Make sure furniture fronting an outlet is not impinging on the plugs
● Make sure to check plugs for any play or “wiggle, “which can lead to an electrical arc
and potentially cause a fire. Please contact an electrician if any play or “wiggle”
exists in your outlets.