An 18-year-old man was arrested yesterday afternoon on suspicion of setting a fire that burned about 3 acres of brush in Kapolei.

The man, a Kapolei resident, was apprehended after he was spotted by a police helicopter on routine patrol in the area, said police arson investigator Gary Lahens.

The suspect was booked on one count of second-degree arson and remained in a police cellblock last night pending charges. A conviction for second-degree arson carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

Lahens said the helicopter was patrolling over Kapolei at about 3:30 p.m. when its crew saw a person light a fire in some brush.

"The fire was just starting, and they saw the suspect running and trying to hide in bushes," Lahens said last night. He said the helicopter crew was able to keep track of the man, who was arrested by arriving officers.

Lahens said he will be seeking a felony arson charge against the man because of the number of acres burned and because the fire came close to several buildings.

"It could have damaged the Kapolei Hale," Lahens said. "The flames came to within about 50 yards, and the winds were pretty high."

The fire department dispatched four engines, three tankers, a brush truck and its Air One helicopter to battle the blaze. Fire spokesman Capt. Kenison Tejada said access to blaze was difficult for firefighters. Tejada said fire crews relied on Air One to guide them through the confusing dirt road system to the fire.

Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.