Former Honolulu firefighter and admitted arsonist Kenton Leong was sentenced to 10 years in prison yesterday, but won't begin serving the time until he completes a drug treatment program in October.

"I apologize to the Honolulu Fire Department, my colleagues in the fire department, my family, friends and the state of Hawai'i," Leong said before Circuit Judge Karen Ahn imposed sentence.

Leong admitted setting three brushfires in the Makapu'u area last July and said he had smoked the drug crystal methamphetamine earlier in the day.

In a plea deal reached with prosecutors, he admitted guilt to three counts of second-degree arson and the government agreed to seek a maximum of 10 years behind bars.

Defense lawyer Pamela O'Leary asked the judge to delay Leong's entry into prison so he can complete the intensive drug program at the Sand Island Treatment Center.

Ahn expressed reservations but agreed to the request after Deputy Prosecutor Leilani Tan did not oppose it and a representative from the treatment center said Leong has been "compliant" with program rules.

"I guess I can live with it," Ahn said, but ordered Leong to return to court in three months to check on his status in the program.

Ahn also ordered Leong to pay $15,331 in restitution to the city for costs incurred in fighting the brushfires.

The blazes, in an undeveloped area on Kalaniana'ole Highway opposite the Hawai'i Kai golf course, burned nine acres of land and were extinguished by five HFD companies and the department's helicopter.

Prosecutors said the fires endangered two campers and a fisherman in the area.

The prosecutor's office said the plea agreement balanced the seriousness of Leong's offenses with his history of public service.

Leong lost his job as a firefighter after failing drug tests, according to testimony in earlier court proceedings.