Grants of up to $300,000 are now available for projects aimed at reducing hazardous fuels and improving wildfire safety across Hawaii, according to a March 31 announcement from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
The funding is part of the second round of the Hawaiʻi Urban Interface (HUI) Wildfire Grant Program, which is managed by the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) in partnership with DLNR. The Fiscal Year 2026–2027 grant cycle will distribute a total of $1.5 million for high-impact, shovel-ready wildfire mitigation efforts statewide.
“Reducing hazardous fuels in areas where communities and wildlands meet is an important step we can take to reduce wildfire risk in Hawaiʻi,” said DLNR Acting Chairperson Ryan Kanaka‘ole. “This program helps local partners take action on the ground to improve community safety and strengthen landscape resilience across the state.”
Eric Moller, HWMO Wildfire Mitigation Programs manager, said: “Many communities already know the steps needed to reduce wildfire risk. This program provides the funding and support needed to turn those plans into real mitigation work on the ground.”
The Hawaii State Executive – Governor supports communities affected by wildfires as well as veterans and educators, contributing to social recovery efforts according to the official website. The office also focuses on initiatives such as expanding healthcare access, addressing homelessness through housing programs, and supporting recovery from events like wildfires according to its official website.
In addition, state leadership serves all regions of Hawaii including areas impacted by wildfires such as Lahaina according to its official website. Policy measures include tax reform for affordability and programs that frame homelessness as a health care issue according to its official website.
Efforts also extend toward advancing renewable energy goals and combating climate change through collaboration with various entities according to its official website. The governor’s office emphasizes public policy related not only to housing but also climate change concerns according to its official website.
Looking ahead, these grant opportunities are expected to further support local actions that aim at both immediate safety improvements and long-term resilience against wildfires.