Burning rubbish sparks brush fire on Big Island

Big Island firefighters put out a 3-acre brush fire caused by a homeowner burning rubbish in Waiakea Uka yesterday.

The fire started at 12:34 p.m. at 925 Hoaka Road after a homeowner started an unauthorized controlled burn, firefighters said.

A fire helicopter scooped water from a nearby pond to drop on the fire, which was about 200 yards away from a home.

Stolen car, set ablaze, damages 15 Kaena acres

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is asking for the public's help to prevent wildfires as the state enters dry season and an arson fire caused about $27,600 in damage in Leeward Oahu.

On Monday a stolen car was set ablaze just above Yokohama Bay. The fire spread and burned 15 acres of Kaena Point State Park, a department news release said.

A helicopter and more than 50 city and federal firefighters and state Division of Forestry and Wildlife personnel fought the fire.

Fighting the fire cost the state $21,000 in addition to damage to the land, the department said.

“;Arson-caused wildland fire is a crime that destroys our natural resources and can, if it escapes, threaten human life and property,”; Paul Conry, division administrator, said in a statement.

Man sought in theft surrenders to police

Police on Hawaii island have arrested 22-year-old Julian Richard Benevides of Hilo, who was being sought for questioning in connection with a stolen vehicle.

Benevides turned himself in to police Monday.

He was also wanted in connection with an abuse investigation and had an outstanding no-bail probation warrant.

He was charged with abuse of a family/household member and probation violation.