Former Honolulu firefighter Kenton Leong does not have to begin serving his 10-year prison term for arson until October, after he completes a drug treatment program.

Circuit Judge Karen Ahn sentenced Leong, 42, to the 10-year prison term for second-degree arson yesterday, according to the terms of his plea agreement. She also ordered him to pay the city $15,333 for having to put out the brush fires he started near the Makapuu Lighthouse last summer.

Ahn is allowing Leong to remain free as he completes a residential drug treatment program at Sand Island.

Leong pleaded guilty in November to three counts of second-degree arson. In court papers submitted with his guilty plea, Leong said he smoked crystal methamphetamine just before he set the fires at Alan Davis Beach on July 17.

Prosecutors said Leong gave a full confession when police arrested him and was candid about his drug use.

Honolulu firefighters quickly put out the fires, which did not threaten any structures or injure anyone. However, prosecutors said there were fishermen nearby.

Leong was a member of the elite fire rescue unit when the Honolulu Fire Department dismissed him last March after 17 years of service.