KIHEI — A stubborn Kihei brush fire that burned around 650 acres and threatened homes in Maui Meadows finally was extinguished Sunday morning after burning and smoldering for about two weeks, The Maui News reported yesterday.

The fire began Aug. 23 in the Keonekai area below Piilani Highway in Kihei and then spread next to Maui Meadows, where it prompted evacuations by residents. It remained smoldering after burning 155 acres, then flared up Aug. 27, once again threatening homes and burning an additional 500 acres.

"Our firefighters really worked hard around the clock and did an outstanding job protecting life and property. I'm extremely proud of all of them," said Deputy Fire Chief Robert Shimada.

Shimada also acknowledged help received in fighting the fire. That assistance came from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the county Department of Public Works and Goodfellow Bros. construction company.

Police arrested a 15-year-old Kihei boy who admitted using a lighter to start the fire in an open field behind the homes off Keonekai Road and Kauhale Street on Aug. 23. The boy was charged with second-degree arson.

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