A large fire that destroyed an abandoned home in Nanakuli was intentionally set, according to the Honolulu Fire Department.

Fire investigators have turned the case over to police, who initiated an arson investigation Tuesday following the arrest of a 50-year-old man.

Police arrested the suspect at or near the property of the single-story structure at 87-212 Mikana St. Tuesday morning — about five hours after firefighters extinguished a three-alarm fire at the home. Firefighters had extinguished a small fire on the same property a day earlier.

Police said prior to Tuesday’s Mikana St. blaze, the suspect had also attempted to start a fire at an area business. Police were called but he fled before officers arrived.

Damage to the home was estimated at $300,000 to the structure and $5,000 to its contents.

Damage to a two-story home next door that sustained heavy damage by the blaze was estimated at $287,000 to the structure and $144,000 to its contents.

Neighbors have said the suspected arsonist had previously set at least eight fires on the property.

The suspect is related to the late homeowner.