Teen Arrested for Arson Fires on Molokaʻi

Molokaʻi Arson Arrest. Maui Now image.

By Wendy Osher

Molokaʻi Patrol Officers arrested and released a 17-year-old male for alleged first and third degree arson, according to Maui police.

The arrest was in connection to suspicious brush fires reported within close proximity to each other in the Kalamaʻula Mauka area on Thursday, April 17, 2014.

The incidents were reported shortly after 10 a.m. in the area of Likelike Avenue.

Maui fire officials say two of the fires located at the corner of Likelike Avenue and Poʻokela Street merged into one fire approximately a quarter acre in size; and a third fire, also a quarter acre in size, was located about 50 yards to the west on Likelike Avenue.

Police say the fires consumed a total of about a half acre of undeveloped land.

The Maui Fire Department contained the fires within 30 minutes and no homes were in immediate danger, according to department reports.

Police released new information today saying an investigation revealed that the fires were intentionally set.

Police say the teen was later released to his parents.