The Challenge
Hawaii's ecosystems are not adapted to fire so damage from wildfire can be especially devastating in many ways.
Scroll down to learn why:
Impacts
Communities and Firefighter Safety
Threatens homes, lives, and the safety of our firefighters.
Air Quality and Human Health
Causes soil erosion...
...that leads to dust storms that decrease air quality and impact human health...
Watersheds and Coastal Resources
...and pollutes run-off...
...that leads to the ocean and smothers our precious coral reefs.
Credit - Ed Misaki, The Nature Conservancy
Native Plants and Animals
Destroying native plants and forests...
...and thus depriving native animals of their homes, hurting the island economy by decreasing agricultural capabilities...
...and also increasing the spread of flammable non-native grasses and shrubs...
...creating a vicious cycle of hazardous conditions...
...that are susceptible to human error or intention...
...(98-99% of wildfires in Hawaii are ignited by humans and most are along the roadsides)...
...perpetuating the cycle, over and over again.
Credit - West Maui Mountains Watershed Partnership
Our Hope
As a collaborative effort requiring all of our Hawaiian community, we can put an end to the cycle!
At HWMO, we are committed to protecting our resources and communities and are doing so with a prompt, multi-faceted, mutli-partner approach.
We are a small, young 501(c)(3) non-profit with huge goals and a long list of accomplishments.
In order to keep serving our Hawaiian community we need your help!
Please help our cause by donating today.