A 70-year-old man was arrested and charged Wednesday with arson in connection with two brush fires in Kunia that burned more than 600 acres and forced evacuations.
HPD’s Criminal Investigation Division’s Major Crimes Detail secured an arrest warrant Wednesday for. At 8 :55 a.m. Wednesday, HPD’s Strategic Enforcement Detail arrested Vierra near North Kukui Street and Nuuanu Avenue on suspicion of second-degree arson.
Vierra’s bail is set at $50, 000. He asked for an attorney after being arrested and did not offer a motive.
Vierra, the driver of a light-colored Dodge Ram quad cab pickup truck with distinctive blue pinstripes, was first arrested on Aug. 23, on suspicion of arson in the first degree after being observed near several fire scenes, and released pending investigation.
Following additional investigation and laboratory analysis, he was arrested again on Aug. 27 on suspicion of arson in the second degree.
“When he was first arrested, we have 48 hours to build our case (and charge Vierra ). During that time we were testing numerous amounts of evidence, which we didn’t get the results before the 48 (hours were up ). We were able to get the results we needed and from there we worked with prosecutors and rushed to get a warrant of arrest, ” Lt. Deena Thoemmes, head of HPD’s Homicide and Strategic Enforcement Detail, told reporters at a news conference Wednesday afternoon.
Between Aug. 11 and Aug. 23, HFD responded to eight fire calls in the Kunia /Wahiawa area, Thoemmes said.
“We worked closely with HFD investigators which led us to initiate arson cases. Due to the extent of land burned and the costs and damage, the brush fires that occurred on Aug 19 was classified as arson in the first degree, ” Thoemmes said.
During that investigation, the State Fire Marshal provided HPD detectives with photographs appearing to show a person igniting the fire and a light-colored Dodge Ram quad cab pickup with “distinctive blue pinstripes ” nearby.
The photographs were far away and police could not see enough to publish a description of the suspect and ask for help.
From Aug. 21 to Aug. 22, HPD’s Strategic Enforcement Detail initiated targeted surveillance operations. Wildfire cameras later captured images of the same truck in the Kunia area.
The camera’s 90-second delay prevented officers from intercepting the truck, Thoemmes said. An internal police bulletin was sent to all eight patrol districts.
On Aug. 23, wildfire cameras again spotted the Dodge pickup parked on Kunia Road.
“Within minutes, a brush fire ignited nearby and spread rapidly toward the Royal Kunia neighborhood. The fire coming within 891 feet of residential homes before being brought under control by HFD, ” Thoemmes said.
That case was classified as arson in the first degree.
Later that day, an off-duty HPD lieutenant observed the same vehicle at Haleiwa Beach Park and witnessed the driver enter the brush shortly before another fire started.
The lieutenant called patrol officers who detained Vierra, and confirmed his truck matched previous descriptions.
A search warrant was executed on the vehicle.
With assistance from HFD, investigators located “multiple alerts for ignitable substances on the truck and clothing recovered from Vierra.” All evidence was submitted to HPD’s Scientific Investigative Section for analysis.
“Members of the public along with partner agencies were instrumental in providing critical information that advanced this case. HPD thanks the combined efforts and strong partnerships that were essential in this successful arrest. HPD and HFD continue to investigate the remaining fire incidents, and additional charges may be pursued as the evidence is reviewed, and witnesses are located, ” read a statement from HPD.
Three other in Kunia, Haleiwa and Wahiawa remain open and under investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to call CrimeStoppers at 808-955-8300 or submit a tip anonymously through the P3 Tips app. For more information, visit.