On New Year’s Eve 2023, a fire ignited by illegal fireworks in Papakōlea prompted Kalāwahine homesteader Noel Shaw to take action. “Because we had Lahaina, we were even more sensitive to the realities of what a fire like what happened on New Year’s could have resulted in for our community,” Shaw said. Her search led her to the Firewise program.
On February 27, 2025, leaders from across Hawaii participated in the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Summit at the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa. The event was hosted by the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) and aimed to unite leaders statewide to discuss wildfire preparedness and management strategies.
“The goal is to take a forward-looking and united approach to wildfire readiness and resilience,” stated Nani Barretto, co-executive director of HWMO. “As HWMO often says, we all have a role to play, and this event was created for us to learn and grow together.”
Two communities received recognition for their efforts with the Firewise program: Nā Leo O Papakōlea Firewise received the Firestarter Award for assembling a team rapidly, while Kahikinui’s team earned the Trailblazer Award for hazardous waste removal on Maui. Mike Mundon from Puʻukapu was awarded the Spirit Award.
Barretto commended DHHL’s proactive safety measures: “We deeply value our partnership with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and commend their proactive efforts to ensure the safety of their communities.”
DHHL Director Kali Watson emphasized community empowerment through collaboration with HWMO: “The success of the Firewise program lies in its ability to empower our communities. It gives our homesteads…the tools…to mitigate wildfire risks.”
Shaw expressed hope that continued engagement will lead to action: “Being fire prepared and stewarding our ‘āina collectively is the dream.”
Visuals and soundbites related to these initiatives are available for download.
