Fire investigators try to determine cause of large blaze at Maui business

KAHULUI (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Maui Fire Department is investigating after a large fire destroyed a brand-new restaurant in Kahului overnight.

The fire broke out just before 2 a.m. Friday at Rey’s Place, the former Plantation Grindz and before that, Dairy Queen located on Lono Avenue.

“They just started knocking the door, and all they said was, ‘The restaurant!’ And I thought I was late. I said, ‘It’s too early.’ And then they said, ‘No, it’s on fire!” And I was like, ‘What?!’ That was just reaction ... I thought I was dreaming actually,” said restaurant owner Renato Acob.

Images of the fire show flames shooting out of the structure and heavy smoke filling the night sky.

Upon arrival, firefighters said the structure was over 70% involved.

MFD said crews worked to knock down and control the fire for about two hours until they were able to extinguished the blaze just after 4 a.m.

“I want to thank all the first responders who were on the scene and whoever called,” Acob said. “And all our family members and customers for their overwhelming support.”

Officials said the fire caused about $440,000 in damages — about $232,000 to the structure, $175,000 to the contents, and $33,000 for a vehicle that was damaged.

“I was sad, frustrated, but yet at the same time, I’m glad that no one got hurt,” said Acob.

Acob said he and his family spent eight months building his dream business.

“I just thought my passion was food and go for it!” he said. “We call us ‘Team Lono.”

He had a soft opening on April 29th and was planning a grand opening for June.

“The surrounding community, businesses, everyone was so excited. I think they were more excited than me.”

Acob said they served a little bit of everything and he was especially proud of his “smash tacos.”

“Everybody is doing smash burgers. So, we decided to go against the grain and do smash tacos.”

An investigation is underway into what caused the blaze.

For now, Acob plans to operate food trucks and hold an open market with vendors outside his restaurant.

He says he’s not giving up on his dream.

“The fighting spirit lives on!” he said. “We’ll be back.”

If you would like to help him rebuild, click here.

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