A 70-year-old man was arrested yesterday on suspicion of first-degree arson after being found near a brush fire in Kunia, marking a potential breakthrough in a weeks-long pattern of suspicious blazes that have plagued Central Oahu. The arrest came hours after yesterday morning's fire along Kunia Road, which was first reported around 11 a.m. near Kunia Road and Leia Street.
According to Hawaii News Now, the blaze yesterday consumed 5-7 acres and was quickly contained, reaching 80% containment by 12:34 p.m. and 95% containment just before 1:30 p.m. Kunia Road was temporarily shut down while crews battled the fire but reopened shortly after, with no evacuations needed.
Police reported that a man was seen at the scene and fled in a truck, but officers were able to identify the suspect. As reported by KHON2, members of HPD's Homicide and Strategic Enforcement Detail located the 70-year-old male just after 2 p.m. on Kahalewai Street near the area of a second reported fire.
Breaking Pattern of Suspicious Fires
The arrest provides potential answers to questions that have mounted since a series of brush fires began breaking out in the area over recent weeks. According to Hawaii News Now, the largest fire near Kunia Camp on Kunia Road triggered evacuations for a few hours Tuesday and had burned 250 acres, reaching containment as of Friday.
The investigation gained momentum following an earlier arson case opened for a fire that sparked Aug. 12. Hawaii News Now reports that a witness saw a male suspect standing near brush and setting it on fire, with the suspect then fleeing in a dark-colored sedan.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The series of fires has created significant disruption beyond immediate fire danger. During one of the earlier incidents, Hawaii News Now reported that drivers were stuck in gridlock for nearly three hours, with one driver commenting it was "just really frustrating" to be stuck for almost an hour after a full day.
The Department of Prosecuting Attorney will seek charges as detectives continue the investigation, according to KHON2. Police are searching for witnesses with any information about how these fires are starting, and anyone with information is asked to call 911, CrimeStoppers at (808) 955-8300, or use the P3 Tips app.
