‘Lots of history’ lost in arson blaze that destroyed 600 surfboards in Hawaii

An arson blaze destroyed 600 surfboards valued at more than $650,000 Sunday morning in Honolulu, authorities said.

A 48-year-old man was arrested Tuesday in connection with the fire at the Kuhio Beach Surfboard Lockers, which sent flames 30 feet into the air, KHON reported.

“It’s senseless,” Chad Williams told Hawaii News Now. “You know, some of those boards have been local’s grandparent’s boards. You know, lots of history.”

“It’s more than just a rack — it’s a community,” surfer Theresa Strange told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. “It’s hard to get a spot so people tend to stay for years.”

It’s the second time in less than two years the racks have burned, KITV reported.

The blaze also damaged a nearby surf shop and a Honolulu Police Department substation, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.

This story was originally published October 20, 2021 at 1:07 PM with the headline "‘Lots of history’ lost in arson blaze that destroyed 600 surfboards in Hawaii."