76-year-old man arrested for arson in connection with Haleiwa bushfires

Honolulu police arrested a 76-year-old man on arson charges in connection with a fire in Haleiwa this afternoon. Fire officials said the fire started yesterday on the side of Kamehameha Highway.

HALEIWA, Hawaii (Island News) – A 76-year-old man has been arrested on arson charges in connection with a brush fire that ignited along the Kamehameha Highway near Haleiwa on Tuesday.

The fire was first reported just before noon Tuesday in the 64 to 400 block of Kamehameha Highway. Honolulu Fire (HFD) crews responded and had the fire under control around 1:20 p.m. The fire was fully extinguished by 2 p.m., with approximately 10 acres of land burning, according to the HFD. No buildings were at risk and no injuries were reported.

On Wednesday, investigators said the fire was caused by “multiple incendiary devices” in a specific area. No further details were released.

Officers with the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) arrested Steven Belaski on Friday just after 2 p.m. Belaski was charged with fourth-degree arson. He was released after posting $500 bail.

This case remains under investigation.