HILO, Hawai'i — Big Island police are asking the public for help in identifying who is responsible for destroying a $50,000 piece of heavy equipment in a rural area near Pahala this week.

Some time between 5 p.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, someone set a fire that destroyed a Caterpillar Grade All on Maia Road above Pahala, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Clayton Tayamen at 808-939-2530.

Persons wishing to remain anonymous are asked to call CrimeStoppers at 808-961-8300 in Hilo or 808-329-8181 in Kona. All CrimeStoppers calls are confidential.