Day/date: Tuesday, October 21, 1986

                                                   OCT 21 1986
Memorandum

To:  File 

Fran:  Law Enforcement Specialist, WASO (Zarger)

Subject: Follow-Up Information Regarding Arson Case at Haleakala 

The following information was received from Chris Merillat, Law
Enforcement Specialist, Western Regional Office, on Monday, October 20,
1986.

According to Merillat, the Kipahula Visitors Center was located in an
area of Proprietary Jurisdiction. The incident has been confirmed by
the local authorities (Maui Fire Dept.) as Arson. The primary
investigating agency is the Maui Police Department. Ranger Steve
Shackelton, from Hawaii Volcanoes, has been assigned to investigate the
incident for the National Park Service.

According to information received, construction of the Kipahula Visitors
Center was completed on May 30, 1986, at a cost of $77,500.00. It's
estimated that an additional $10,000.00 in furnishings were lost in the
building at the time of the fire. The structure itself occupied 950
square feet. There was no alarm system on the building at the time of
the fire.

The vehicle that was also stolen at the same time is described as a
1981, one ton, 4 wheel drive Chevrolet truck. It's believed that the
truck was hot-wired. Keys to that vehicle were found in the shed,
adjacent to the Visitor Canter. However, a 223 Remington rifle (property
number & serial number unknown at this time) belonging to the Park
Service was removed from the same shed. As of this time, neither the
truck or the rifle have been recovered.

After the fire was extinguished, a safe inside the V.C. was discovered.
It had been forced open and approximately $800.00 in cash had been removed.
Because of this, burglary is one consideration as a possible motive for
the arson.

As of this time no one has been arrested in connection with the arson.
Prior to the fire, three (3) hippie type individuals were seen in the
area. However there is no evidence available to indicate they were
responsible for the fire.

Several marijuana plots outside the park boundaries were recently
destroyed by the local police. Retaliation for the destruction of these
plots may also be considered as another motive. Again, there is no
evidence available to substantiate these thoughts.

Additional information will be provided as the investigation continues.