'EWA BEACH — A man seen leaving a home before it burst into flames yesterday is being sought in connection with the death of his stepfather, who was found burned beyond recognition inside a back bedroom, investigators said.

"Neighbors reported hearing an argument before the fire and we're interested in that aspect," said Lt. Bill Kato, head of the Honolulu Police Department's homicide unit. "His stepson left the house in a hurry and we'd like to talk to him."

Neighbors said the victim, identified by police as Robert Ramos, 55, parked his truck in front of his single-family home on Kilipoe Street in 'Ewa Beach shortly before 10 a.m. and ran in to pick up something he'd forgotten.

Neighbors said they heard an argument break out, then saw the stepson ride away on a bicycle. They saw the fire spread through much of the house, and a half-dozen neighbors rushed over and tried to break in while others sprayed the flames with water hoses, firefighters and police said.

Several neighbors screamed for Ramos while others tried to break windows and get close to a door but the heat was too intense, neighbors said.

"Bob is a nice guy; a real hard worker," said Dean Nishimura, speaking about an hour after the blaze was extinguished. "Everybody tried (to get him out of the house). They good neighbors."

A woman who was identified by neighbors and police as Ramos' wife came home shortly after 12:45 p.m. and broke down when officers told her about Ramos.

Her husband's truck was still parked in the street in front of the home when she returned.

Ramos' body was found in the back bedroom, said fire Capt. Frank Johnson. A death pronouncement was made at the fire scene at 10:23 a.m., said Bryan Cheplic, spokesman for the city Emergency Services Department.

"The body was burned beyond recognition," Cheplic said.

Fire officials said the blaze was reported at 10:07 a.m. and firefighters were at the scene six minutes later. The fire was declared under control at 10:18 a.m.

Police identified Ramos' stepson as Timothy A. Adarna, who is being sought by officers with the department's District Eight Crime Reduction Unit. Police initially did not know the stepson's age but thought he was about 18 to 20.

Dean and Iris Nishimura, who have lived in the house next to Ramos' for 37 years, both said Adarna and Ramos could often be heard arguing. Ramos and his family moved into the house 18 months ago.

Dean Nishimura was brushing his teeth when he heard three loud thumps, then what sounded like someone dragging a heavy bag across the floor, he said. Then his wife, Iris, began yelling that Ramos' house was on fire.

Dean Nishimura ran outside and rushed next door to help other neighbors try to get Ramos out of the home. Nishimura said Ramos was a general contractor and business records indicate he owned Make It Beautiful Hawai'i LLC.

He and his wife, Marie, moved here from Portland, Ore., 18 months ago. Ramos once ran Kaipo Construction, according to business records.

HFD's Johnson said about 20 firefighters from the 'Ewa Beach and Kapolei stations fought the blaze.

"When our guys arrived, the structure was already fully engulfed," Johnson said, noting that nearby Board of Water Supply workers and neighbors were already battling the blaze.

"They broke down the front door and were trying to fight the fire with garden hoses, but it was just too hot and there was too much smoke," he said.

One of the water supply workers was taken to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation, Johnson said. "We appreciate people trying to help, but a fire like this is best left to professionals who have the necessary equipment and training," he said.

Initial estimates set damage to the home at $200,000 and loss of contents at $80,000.

Police and fire investigators have not determined the cause and origin of the fire. Homicide investigators also were on scene yesterday.

Johnson said the older, single-wall wooden home probably went up in flames very quickly. He estimated that at least 50 percent of the home was destroyed.

Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com and David Waite at dwaite@honoluluadvertiser.com.