Burned tiles below a bulletin board that was set on fire at Ka‘u High School sometime Sunday night.

PAHALA — Ka‘u High & Pahala Elementary School has been hit by thieves and vandals, but police say they are closing in on the culprits.

More than a dozen computers, two televisions and a computer printer were stolen, a bulletin board set on fire, toothpicks broken off in locks, a kiln in art class was left on and fire extinguishers discharged, school sources said.

Vice Principal Darlene Javar said the incident probably happened Sunday evening with staff members noticing the problems early Monday morning, and calling in police. Officers determined the vandals also had set fires in several areas on campus.

A bulletin board set ablaze by vandals has been painted over as students continue their classes at Ka‘u High School.

Also, a lock at Pahala Public Library had a toothpick broken off into it, Branch Manager Dawn Shibano said.

After police completed their investigation, the burnt areas were painted over by staff and classes continued as usual Monday, but the police investigation was heating up.

“We have two possible suspects and hopefully we can wrap this up shortly,” said Officer Darrell Clinton. “The Criminal Investigation Section is involved, but I am not at liberty to talk about the investigation.”

Police, however, still are looking for information.

School officials and police said the senseless actions of a few people should not reflect on the entire community.

Police ask anyone with information to call Det. Gerald Wike at 326-4646, extension 302. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 or 329-8181.