UPDATE: CAUSE OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDING FIRE IN KAILUA WAS ACCIDENTAL

The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Fire Investigator has classified the cause of the fire that occurred on November 13, 2026 at 554 Papalani Street in Kailua as accidental. It was determined that the fire originated in the kitchen when arcing occurred at a power strip located near a sink. The arcing ignited the wire insulation and plastic housing of the power strip which then spread to nearby combustibles. The estimated fire loss is $325,000, including $318,000 in property damage and $7,000 in damaged contents.