The Honolulu Police Department (HPD), in partnership with the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, arrested 70-year-old Antonio Vierra in connection with multiple brush fires in the Kunia/Wahiawa area.
Vierra, the driver of a light-colored Dodge Ram quad cab pickup truck with distinctive blue pinstripes, was first arrested on Aug. 23, for arson in the first degree after being observed near several fire scenes. Following additional investigation and laboratory analysis, he was arrested again on Aug. 27, for arson in the second degree.
Between Aug. 11 and Aug. 23, HFD responded to eight fire calls in the Kunia/Wahiawa area. A fire that occured on Aug. 19, was classified as arson in the first degree due to the extent of land burned and the high cost of damage. During that investigation, the State Fire Marshal provided HPD detectives with photographs appearing to show a suspect igniting the fire and the Dodge pickup nearby.
From Aug. 21 to Aug. 22, HPD’s Strategic Enforcement Detail initiated surveillance operations. Wildfire cameras later captured images of the same truck in the Kunia area. On Aug. 23, wildfire cameras again spotted the Dodge pickup parked on Kunia Road. Within minutes, a brush fire ignited and spread rapidly toward the Royal Kunia neighborhood, coming within 891 feet of homes before being brought under control by HFD. This 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. Patrol units responded, detained Vierra, and confirmed his truck matched previous descriptions.
A search warrant was executed on the vehicle. With the 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.
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 HonoluluPD.org.