October 17, Surfboard racks at Kuhio Beach in Waikiki caught fire. The resulting fire is estimated to have caused over $ 650,000 in damage to lost surfboards and burnt buildings. This is the second time the rack has been turned on in 20 months. A few days later, on October 19, authorities arrested Glenn Helton, 48, for first degree arson. According to Honolulu Police, this is not the first time Helton has been called in for starting fires. Another suspect, a 43-year-old man who was brought in shortly after the fire, has been released, police said.
The Waikiki surfboard rack fire sent huge plumes of smoke into the air. The rack was a few yards from the Waikiki Police Station, located between that building and the Moana Surfrider Hotel. The fire caused the evacuation of the two structures. The latest fire, on February 27, 2020, destroyed 525 surfboards.
“This is insane,” said Chad Williams, beach boy from Dive Oahu. Hawaii News Now. “You know, some of this advice was advice from local grandparents. You know, a lot of history.
Helton was arrested a few blocks from the blaze. He was spotted at Princess Kaiulani Triangle Park and law enforcement was able to get him inside. Hawaii News Now reported that Helton was also recorded starting another fire in a garbage can a few weeks earlier on October 9. This fire damaged a neighboring apartment complex. In the most recent fire, Helton was caught on surveillance again, leading to his subsequent arrest.
Residents are optimistic Helton’s arrest will end the string of fires. “I hope it never happens again,†said Jill Hansen, who works alongside San Lorenzo Waikiki.
Helton is being held on $ 70,000 bail. The charges against him are pending.
