As firefighters fought the 12th suspicious brush fire in the Waiawa area since early August, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann today appealed to the public to help identify anyone who may be responsible for the blazes. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

Twelve fires have occurred in the Waiawa/Waipio area since early August, including one that flared up before noon today in the area that burned yesterday.

“We take all matters of public safety very seriously, and we’re seeking the public’s help in indentifying whoever may be responsible,” Hannemann said.

This afternoon around 3 p.m., police reopened all northbound lanes of the H-2 freeway near the Ka Uka Boulevard offramp. The two right lanes had been closed for Honolulu Fire Department operations.

Two brush fires broke out in the same area yesterday around midday, just as police and fire officials were announcing that nine fires in the area since early August were believed to be intentionally set.

The fire department responded to today's fire with five engines, three tankers and a helicopter.

To help avoid calling in another company, the department has directed the helicopter unit to drop water on the ridge so it can roll down to the affected area.

The department has said previously that the rash of fires has taxed its resources.