The boy was arrested at the scene on suspicion of second-degree criminal property damage after a witness told police she saw him leaving the area where the fire started. The boy reportedly admitted responsibility to a patrol officer at the scene and gave a similar statement later to Det. Robert Cravalho, a police fire investigation specialist.

He has been released to the custody of his parents, pending charges and Family Court action.

Capt. Glenn Solem recalled only one other case during his 13 years as a Honolulu Fire Department investigator in which an arrest was made for a wildland fire incident. "Since we have a suspect who supposedly admitted to it, we'll be doing a scientific origin and cause investigation," Solem said.

Solem began his investigation today in the brush on the diamondhead side of Ala Hema Street, where the fire started. The investigation mainly involves a process of elimination of potential causes to arrive at a conclusion, he said.

Police, meanwhile, will be doing a follow-up investigation before charges are filed. The investigation includes witness statements from a group of boys who were with the suspect in the brush.

Firefighting efforts were hampered by shifting winds blowing out of the valley, Fire Department spokes man Kenison Tejada said. At one point, the fire came within 60 feet of homes on Ala Hema Street.