Neighbors on Oluolu Street in Kona Highlands were saddened and blown away as details of a Friday morning house fire later revealed the body of one of the residents was found in the scorched remains of the home.
A man in his mid-50s was discovered in the downstairs portion of the house after fire crews had extinguished the blaze.
Hawaii Fire Department first got the call at 6:10 a.m. When firefighters arrived on scene, the backside of the house was engulfed in flames. Hawaii Fire Battalion Chief John Whitman said when they first arrived there was no one reported to be home at the time.
The victim was found later near where the fire originated, Whitman said.
Residents on the quiet street said it all started at about 5:45 a.m. Some heard explosions. Others saw a puff of smoke and flames.
The first responders were Sean Hilla and his brother, Ryan Gerwig, who is visiting from out of town. The men were awake early as they were prepping for a day trip to Mauna Kea.
Hilla and Gerwig were watching the moon set when the fire erupted before their eyes at the home across the street.