Pu‘u‘eo Community Center at Clem Akina Park in Hilo is currently closed following a fire that damaged the building.

The fire occurred beneath a covered walkway on the exterior of the building early Sunday morning. The Hawai‘i County Fire Department quickly responded and prevented what could have been catastrophic damage, however, the fire and smoke damage will still cost an estimated $80,000 to repair.

Clem Akina Park remains open to the public, but the Pu‘u‘eo Community Center will be closed this week to allow for the assessment of potentially hazardous materials and to initiate the clean-up and repair process.

Programs at the community center have been canceled for the week. Facility users will be notified when the community center re-opens.

The Department of Parks & Recreation is asking for public assistance in identifying the person or persons responsible for the fire. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to call the Hawai‘i  County Police Department non-emergency line at 808-935-3311.

Photo credit: Office of Mayor Roth