A 38-year-old man arrested in connection with a 500-acre brush fire near Poamoho Camp on Sept. 16 was released by police this morning pending further investigation.

Police arrested the Waialua man yesterday morning on suspicion of first-degree arson. Police did not say if he is suspected in other fires. Police are investigating at least five arson cases over the past few weeks in Central Oahu and said people of interest have been identified.

Police said witnesses saw the Poamoho Camp arson suspect walking behind a home where the fire originated. After the fire started, another witness saw him leaving the area.

Police said the fire began in the backyard of a home and could have caused serious bodily injury or death.

Police said the fire began in the backyard of a home near other multi-family houses and could have caused serious bodily injury or death.