HILO — Police are investigating a fire that damaged Stanley Costales Gym at Waiakea Uka Park early Wednesday morning.
The fire, mostly confined to the gym’s northwest corner, was reported at about 4:30 a.m. by a passing motorist, said police Lt. Gregory Esteban.
The blaze was extinguished at 4:55 a.m., according to Hawaii County Fire Department.
Flames extended from the floor up to the roof, causing about $65,000 in damage, the Fire Department said. About 30 percent of the roof was damaged.
Esteban said the fire is considered suspicious.
“There doesn’t appear to be a source of ignition,” he said.
The gym was renovated in 2012 as part of a $1 million park upgrade. It received a new roof and bleachers in addition to renovated bathrooms.
Jason Armstrong, county Department of Parks and Recreation spokesman, said youth athletic programs that use the gym will be relocated to other facilities until repairs can be made.
“We’re scrambling around to find alternate venues and sites,” he said. “We have other gyms in Hilo, but they are also booked for activities during the holiday season.”
Armstrong said it wasn’t immediately clear how much repairs might cost or how soon they could be completed.
“It’s very unfortunate,” he said. “This is a very popular facility that was to be well-used for upcoming tournaments and also their winter intersession program.”
As a result of the fire, the intersession program at Waiakea Uka was relocated to Hilo’s Andrews Gym within Waiakeawaena Park, Parks and Recreation announced. The program is open to keiki in first through sixth grades.
The gym is named for famed Hilo athlete Stanley Costales Sr., who was the facility’s caretaker.
“I just think it’s unfortunate,” said his son, Stanley Costales Jr. “If it was someone who did it intentionally, I think that’s really, really sad.
“I just can’t imagine if it burnt to the ground. It’s kind of like one of those structures, that to me, it’s part of Hilo.”
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
