A 43-year-old homeless man has been charged with starting a house fire that killed a 76-year-old man last month in Kalihi and left 22 people homeless.

James Kimo Moses remained at the main police cell block today on $500,000 bail. He was charged with second-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, six counts of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree arson, and three drug violations.

Police said they found Moses at a homeless encampment in Kakaako at Ahui and Olomehani streets about 3 p.m. Thursday. While arresting Moses, police allegedly also found drugs.

The fire that Moses allegedly started killed Clarence Isobe, who was pulled out of the two-story wooden building and taken to the hospital where he died.

Firefighters determined the fire was intentionally started outside the rooming house at 1909 Liliha St. about 12:30 a.m. Feb. 2. 

Two other people were treated for injuries from the fire.

Owners of the property declined to comment when reached by phone.