Need some financial assistance for your wildfire community preparedness project?

Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until April 30, 2024, or until funds are exhausted. We encourage you to submit your application promptly to secure your chance of receiving assistance.

Overview

Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) is pleased to announce the availability of financial assistance to eligible Firewise® communities to encourage and support projects that raise awareness and reduce wildfire risks ahead of and/or during this year’s Wildfire Community Preparedness Month (May, 2024).

These funds are made possible by grants from the US Forest Service (Grant #121) and the National Fire Protection Association.

Who and what is eligible 

Eligible Firewise communities are those that are currently “in good standing” or that have applications “pending” with NFPA (www.firewise.org) and have completed a community hazard assessment.

Types of community mitigation projects supported through this opportunity include:

  • Hazardous fuels/vegetation reduction projects in/around neighborhoods and communal areas

  • Defensible space projects 

  • Wildfire preparedness outreach/educational efforts

Types of assistance available include but are not limited to:

  • Direct-paying a contractor or service provider for a portion of the fuels reduction/defensible space expenses 

  • Reimbursements for mitigation-related materials and/or supply purchases (up to $200)

Eligibility Requirements

  • Communities can request up to $2,500 in financial assistance

  • Amount awarded is based on various factors including level of wildfire risk, number of households impacted by work, amount of increased wildfire protection as a result of the project, and financial need

  • Matching requirement (at least 25%) (please note: low-income communities can request a match waiver)

Click the buttons below to learn more about the Firewise USA® program and apply for funding.

Example projects include:

Rentals

  • Heavy equipment

  • Green waste bins

  • Chippers

Contracted labor

  • Tree cutting

  • Chipping services

  • Haul away services

Wildfire preparedness events

  • Education/outreach events (roadside booths, tabling at an event, sharing resources)

  • Home assessments and community-wide home ignition zone days

  • Evacuation planning and education

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of protection.””
— Chief Eric Moller, USAG-P, FES