HPD: Mail drop box fire in Kapolei being investigated as arson case

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - An intentionally-set fire at a post office drop box is being investigated by Honolulu police.

Honolulu firefighters responded to the early-morning incident outside the Kapolei Post Office on Saturday around 12:30 a.m.

Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke emanating from the USPS mail drop box fronting the Post Office.

According to HFD, firefighters initially used two fire extinguishers to control the fire without opening the mailbox, but had to pry it open to smother the burning debris.

The USPS said it assumed responsibility for the contents of the mailbox and secured them at the Waipahu Post Office for processing.

The local USPS Postmaster said any mail that was deposited into the drop box on Nov. 11 after 2:24 p.m. may have been destroyed in the fire. Authorities said whatever mail that is found to be intact will be returned to the sender via USPS mail.

Tampering with mail and mailboxes is a federal crime. Those prosecuted face up to three years in jail and can be fined up to $250,000.

Anyone with questions is asked to contact the USPS Consumer Affairs Office at (800) 275-8777.

HPD is handling this as a third-degree arson case.

This story will be updated.