'Good Neighbors' Help to Fight Fires in Remote Kahikinui Homestead

Excellent, in-depth article of the recent PFX Field Tour of Kahikinui, the community's history and past struggles with large wildfires, and the bright future ahead of them for their preparedness efforts. Mahalo to the Maui News for the great coverage and to Leeward Haleakala Watershed Partnership and Pacific Fire Exchange for coordinating the field tour.

From the Source:

"There have been some smaller meetings with the community and adjacent landowners in the past, but this was the first time so many people with such a broad range of experience and interest in collaboration came together that I'm aware of," said Andrea Buckman, coordinator for the Leeward Haleakala Watershed Restoration Partnership, who organized the event along with the Pacific Fire Exchange.

Kahikinui resident Ainoa Kaiaokamalie and others joined Pacific Fire Exchange, Leeward Haleakala Watershed Restoration Partnership, Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, and a variety of other stakeholders for the field tour. Photo Credit: The Maui News

"In the meantime, grant funding is also an option for the community. One available program is the U.S. Forest Service Wildland Urban Interface grant, which provides funding for projects related to fire education, planning and prevention. Through this grant, the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization already has $5,000 for a fuel reduction project in Kahikinui that must be matched by cash or volunteer hours."

"Currently, Kahikinui is working to become a certified Firewise Community through the help of the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization. Pablo Beimler, the organization's community outreach coordinator, said that he expects Kahikinui to receive its certification by the end of the year. Being certified would help push Kahikinui higher on grant funding lists and could reduce insurance costs in the future, he said.

Trauernicht said that the prevention projects being considering 'are always cheaper in the long run' when compared to the costs of restoring forests, livestock fuel and homes."

Completing the (Fire) Cycle of Information Sharing

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HWMO is working with its Pacific partners to bring national wildfire preparedness programs to the local level. Photo Credit: HWMO

Check out Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network's feature on HWMO released today, written by Community Outreach Coordinator, Pablo Beimler.

Excited to see the hard work of HWMO and its Pacific partners showcased on the national stage!

Mahalo Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network for the opportunity to share our lessons learned.

From the Source:

"Living in the most remote island chain in the world with over 2,500 miles of Pacific Ocean separating us from the continental U.S. (a.k.a. “the mainland”), it is only fitting that Hawai‘i has a unique set of traits and challenges that can sometimes make one feel isolated from the rest of the world. However, the era of modern networking capabilities is helping shed light on the commonalities we share, while still honoring the differences that make us unique."

"Starting in 2013, HWMO collaborated with the IAFC Ready, Set, Go! program to produce a Hawaii-version of the Wildland Fire Action Guide. IAFC graciously printed 10,000 copies for HWMO and county fire departments to distribute. Replacing photos and references to conifer forests, shake roof homes, and other mainland- WUI features, HWMO integrated Hawai’i-specific photos and information and added an introductory section about wildfire in Hawai’i’. Since incorporating the new guide into our fire preparedness workshops and outreach booths, we’ve noticed a spike in interest from residents and even visitors about the Ready, Set, Go! program. Whether learning how to prevent embers from collecting under the lanai (patio) or browsing the visual list of recommended Firewise native plants, residents have taken the RSG! guides into their own hands. Launiupoko Firewise Committee in West Mauʻi plans to send more than 350 guides to residents as their first ever Firewise event."

Rash of Vehicle Fires Keep Maui Crews Busy

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Photo Credit: Wendy Osher/Maui Now

Abandoned vehicles are major fire hazards, especially along or within dry grass and brush. Just ask Maui firefighters who are working tirelessly to fight a number of abandoned car fires that seem to be growing on the island. Report any suspicious activity to the police. Mahalo!

From the Source:

At 3:45 a.m. Tuesday, two simultaneous but separate vehicle fires were reported on East Waikō Road in Waikapū. One was roughly 400 yards west of the Waiʻale Road intersection, and the other was about 300 yards east of the intersection.

At 3:52 a.m., the Wailuku crew found a truck on the shoulder of Waikō Road west of the Waiʻale Road intersection fully engulfed by fire, which was now spreading into the brush.

Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control, but not before it burned a 50 x 200 foot area of brush downwind and caused roughly $3,000 in damages to a nearby fence. The brush and vehicle fires were called extinguished at 4:34 a.m.

A fire investigator determined that that fire was intentionally set and originated in the bed of the truck, where a pile of car tires were believed to have been discarded. The Kahului engine and water tanker assisted the Wailuku crew after they extinguished the vehicle fire further down the street.

Olowalu Fire Near Puamana Beach Park Burns 1300 Acres

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Credit: Maui Fire Department

It was only a week ago when a 4,700 acre fire burned through Maalaea in West Maui threatening homes and causing massive traffic jams. Another large fire is burning in the Olowalu-Ukumehame area, totaling over 1,300 acres. Only a month or so ago, HWMO, Maui Electric Company, and DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife collaborated on a project to create fuelbreaks along powerlines on the mauka side of Ukumehame.

From the Source:

"Maui police evacuated two homes Friday night as a precaution, and residents returned hours later. MFD says that the homes are not in immediate danger at this time, and no homes have been damaged.

Honoapiilani Highway was closed for a short time, but it remains opens Saturday. Firefighters say they do not anticipate any more road closures."

Maalaea Fire Burns 4700 Acres Pushed by High Winds

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Maalaea Fire smoke seen from Kihei. Credit: Asa Ellison/Hawaii News Now

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Maalaea glows at night from the intense fire. Credit: Catie Koraleski/Facebook

Honoapiilani Highway and North Kihei Road were closed down numerous times due to a fierce battle with a 4,700 acre brush fire in Maalaea on West Maui. The area has an extensive history of wildfires and has prompted countless road closures and evacuations. Maui County officials at one point urged "those in Lahaina to plan on eating dinner there before braving the gridlocked traffic to Central Maui."

Mobile office trailers and some construction vehicles were damaged during the fire and power lines were scorched leaving many without power. 

Shelters were opened for 100s of people needing a place to clamp down for the night. 

First responders rescued a group of hikers who were trapped up mauka.

Wildfire season is coming on strong. There are a number of ways to be prepared. Head over to the Wildfire & Drought Look Out! homepage for more.

From the Source:

"There were some construction vehicles and mobile office trailers that sustained damages from the fire but no monetary damage estimates are available. Communication utility lines near Maalaea Harbor appear to have been damaged by flames when the fire raced through the area by strong winds. No homes were damaged." - Maui Watch

"The Maui Fire Department would like to thank the public for their patience Saturday, while the road closures were in effect. Safety of the public and for firefighters working on the fire scene is always our top priority." - Maui Watch

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"Maalaea Fire 2016 - Over 400 people waited out the road closures at War Memorial and another 75 or so at Lahaina Civic Center." Credit: Marc Nishimoto/Maui Civil Defense

"The Hawaii Red Cross, along with Maui Civil Defense, opened up two shelters at the Maui War Memorial and the Lahaina Civic Center at 6 p.m. Saturday. While both shelters were closed at 7 a.m. Sunday, they are standing by if they need to reopen later in the day.

"Of those that stayed in the shelters overnight, a great majority of them were tourists. There were a total of 472 people in the Maui War Memorial shelter and 150 in the Lahaina Civic Center shelter." - KHON2

"We had Polynesian tours and Roberts Hawaii buses literally dropping off people by the bus load. It was a bit hectic, definitely, at the shelters last night," Michele Liberty, the Red Cross Maui County director, said. - Hawaii News Now

"Kayla Delos Santos, who was traveling with family members from Lahaina to Kahului, said “it was in a grassy area on the left, a dry area, and it was a long, straight line of fire. I can say it was about two to three miles.” - KHON2

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Road closures led traffic to a halt. Credit: KK Blogs/Twitter

The mauka side of the highway is mostly grassland. Witnesses say horses that normally graze in the field were moved to safety." - KHON2

"I lost all cell phone communication during this time so I really didn't know what was going on," she said. "After 4.5 hours of sitting in traffic I finally turned my car around and go the opposite direction around Wailuku and that traffic was even worse. It was an absolute nightmare." - Hawaii News Now

Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa was caught up in the traffic Saturday and said events like this shows West Maui needs more alternative roads.

"Last nights brush fire was a perfect example of why we need an alternate route to and from West Maui. Our residents and visitors can be cut off at any time due to a brush fire, rock slide or even a bad traffic accident," Arakawa said. "I urge our state delegates, governor and lieutenant governor to do another environmental impact study that looks at every alternative to creating another West Maui route."

Arakawa added: "These events that cut off Lahaina from the rest of the island are happening all too often and we need to look for other solutions." - Hawaii News Now

30 Acre Ukumehame Fire Started Near Homeless Encampment

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Credit: Timothy Lara.

A home is a home, regardless of who lives in it or what the situation is. That's how firefighters in Maui approached the latest 30 acre fire in Ukumehame. Firefighters worked to save makeshift shelters in a homeless encampment even with high winds and difficult access. Although the fire destroyed at least one encampment, a few were saved, no injuries were reported and no homes in neighboring subdivisions were threatened. Mahalo as always to our firefighters!

From the Source:

"An area resident reported hearing a loud explosion just before flames were seen erupting from an open field just north of Pohaku Aeko Street and mauka of Honoapiʻilani Highway. Winds quickly spread the fire makai towards Honoapiʻilani Highway, which forced a brief shutdown of all vehicle traffic for about 30 minutes."

"Fire investigators were not able to determine the exact cause of the fire, but believe that it started near a group of homeless encampments discovered in the brush. One encampment was overrun by the flames and was destroyed, but two other makeshift shelters were saved by fire crews. No homes in the subdivision were threatened and no injuries were reported."

Electrical Arc Suspected of Starting Maalaea Brush Fires

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Post-fire next to powerlines from a previous wildfire in Maalaea in February 2016. Credit - HWMO

A common ignition source in West Maui is electrical arcing along powerlines. We are happy to say we are teaming up with MECO and Hawaii DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife on a project to clear hazardous vegetation from the powerlines. HWMO's $5,000 grant for fuels reduction along powerlines in the West Maui mauka area will be matched by MECO to help prevent wildfire ignitions.

From the Source:

"A passing motorist reported seeing a bright flash near the landfill and electrical transmission lines. Fire officials say the witness then saw a blue colored light travel quickly along the transmission line, across the highway, and up the West Maui Mountain.

Another flash of light was seen on the hillside and a short time later the brush fire was seen starting up."

Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization Supports Formation of Firewise Communities in Hawaii

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"According to the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, about 0.5% of Hawaii’s total land area burns annually, as much or more than the proportion of land are burned in any other US state. In Hawaii, 98% of wildfires are human caused."

We are extremely grateful to be a part of the Firewise Communities program and were highlighted for our efforts in January's National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Fire Break newsletter!

From the Source:

"Wildfire in Hawaii, like anywhere else, threatens the safety of firefighters, residents andhomes. It also causes damage to the air quality, which impacts human health, and contributes to soil erosion problems that can cause damage to sensitive coral reefs. One of the partners in Hawaii working to help lessen the loss due to wildfire in Hawaii is the Hawaiian Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO). They are a small nonprofit organization that has been working together with fire departments, the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife, communities and others to help develop Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) and Firewise Communities. The HWMO was officially founded in 2000 by a group of South Kohala/North Kona regional experts who wanted to create a non-profit organization to serve as an arm for the fire suppression and land management agencies to conduct prevention, pre-suppression, and post-fire work. They became incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2002. Since then, they have grown to not only address wildfire issues for all of Hawaii Island, but also the entire state and some of the Western Pacific (namely Yap, Palau, Guam).

According to Pablo Beimler, Coordinator with HWMO, "'Although we have a small staff, HWMO is continually able to accomplish a number of projects due to its extensive partnerships. We can't say it enough: by staying in communication with our partners on each project, and expanding partnerships where needed, they are able to ensure our projects stay grounded and effective.'"

"Pablo described other wildfire preparedness projects in which HWMO is involved. "We have a Firewise demonstration garden in Waikoloa Village, where we have a number of native, drought-tolerant plants growing strategically around a demo home to give community members an example of good defensible space practices. Our team has held a number of community events at the garden and have had a youth environmental empowerment group called the Malama Kai Ocean Warriors help be the ‘stewards’ of the garden. In terms of other youth outreach, we also go to numerous schools and youth programs to teach students about wildfire prevention and preparedness, including Firewise and Ready, Set, Go! principles. We also hold community wildfire preparedness workshops for various organizations/groups or for the general public where we give people a run-down on Firewise and Ready, Set, Go!."  

Ask the Mayor: Can More Fire Stations be Built in Central Maui?

Credit: Wendy Osher/Maui Now

The Mayor has spoken. What are your thoughts?

From the Source: 

"Q: Are there any plans to build additional fire stations in the Central Valley? I read that it took the engine from Wailuku 12 minutes to respond to the brush fire in Mā‘alaea last week. One can assume that it took other responding engines even longer to arrive given the distances involved. Granted, it was just a brush fire this time, but 12 minutes is an eternity when someone’s life or property are in danger.

There are several newer housing developments all around old Maui Lani, where I live. I think the amount of fire protection provided is inadequate."

Vehicle Accident Ignites Brush at Launiupoko

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Lahaina, West Maui (Credit Maui Now)

Launiupoko in West Maui experienced a brush-up with a wildfire started by a vehicle fire on Saturday. The fire quickly spread from the road towards homes, coming within 200 feet of one of the structures. You never know when the next accident that sparks an ignition will be - best to be prepared at all times. Do you have an evacuation plan and two ways out of every room? Do you keep your emergency supply kit near your entrance/exit to your home?

From the Source:

"A single-vehicle collision on Punakea Loop in West Maui sparked a brush fire that threatened homes in Launiupoko on Saturday afternoon, Jan.30, 2016, fire officials said.

Maui Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto said the fire threatened two homes above the accident and came within 200 feet of one of the structures.  According to FSC Taomoto, the two occupants escaped with minor injuries."

Brush Fire Near Windfarm in Maalaea Burns 80 Acres

"Fire in Maalaea, Jan. 21, 2016. Photo credit: Melinda Harrigan Fasel"

Over 5 years ago, a large brushfire burned in the same area as the newest Maalaea fire, which burned over 80 acres and shut down Honoapiilani Highway. This is a prime example of an area riddled with the fire cycle issue: constant growth of invasives plus frequent ignitions leading to wildfires and thus new growth of invasives and the cycle continues.

From the Source:

"The fire started on the mauka side of Honoapiilani Highway, a quarter mile to the south of Maalaea Harbor.

Fire was burning towards the Kaheawa Wind farm but has not reached it yet.

Ground crews have no way to get to the fire because of steep mountainous terrain and no road access, so the fire is being fought with water drops from two helicopters."

Maui's Trucker Dukes Made Honorary Firefighter (VIDEO)

"Trucker Dukes shooting water with his dad, firefighter Joshua Dukes outside of the Kahului Fire Station. Photo by Wendy Osher."

A touching story of firefighters and the local community coming together to help a boy's fight against a rare and aggressive cancer. Find out how you can help at the end of the article.

From the Source:

"Beloved Maui boy, Trucker Dukes, who has been battling a rare and aggressive cancer for about a year, was recognized today as an honorary firefighter with the Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety.  The event included a badge pinning ceremony, taking an oath to fight hard against cancer, a spin around the station in a fire truck, chocolate cake, toy firetrucks and his own firefighter turnout gear."

Brush Fire Burns 350 Acres Above Kaanapali

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Photo Credit: Paul Karanik (Aug. 14th, 3:57 p.m.)

One of the major obstacles for firefighters to overcome in Hawaii is gaining access to wildfires. The recent Kaanapali fire demonstrated just that. Even so, firefighters were able to control the fire and are continuing to monitor any flare-ups.

From the Source:

"Last night fire came as close as a quarter-mile from homes in the Kāʻanapali Estates area, but at last check structures are not in immediate danger.

Lahaina fire crews arrived on scene at 3:15 p.m. and reported having trouble finding access routes to the fire, which was estimated to be around 5 acres at the time.  Fire officials say the burn area included gulches and difficult terrain."

"It has not yet been called extinguished; there are still smoldering areas far enough within the 'black' that it is of low concern.

It’s typical to let those areas cool and snuff themselves out. Also, by giving it time, problem areas will show themselves by emitting puffs of smoke.

Crews are making periodic fire patrols throughout the day and will call it extinguished after enough time has passed without seeing any 'smokies' in the fire area."

West Maui Crews Respond to Three Brush Fires Within an Hour

There's a reason why West Maui was the first area in Maui that we covered with a Community Wildfire Protection Plan: it's the most fire-prone region of the County. 

Mahalo to Maui Fire Department for their hard work in keeping three simultaneous brush fires contained!

From the Source: 

"Maui firefighters were busy Thursday after receiving calls for three separate brush fires within an hour in West Maui.

At 10:50 a.m., fire crews responded to multiple reports of a brush fire on Kai Hele Ku Street in Launiupoko. A Lahaina ladder crew arrived at 11 a.m. and was able to contain a grass fire found burning on the north side of Kai Hele Ku Street, just below the roundabout at Haniu Street. The fire burned just over one acre of grass."

Stubborn Brush Fire Near Lahainaluna Burns 7 Acres

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"Fire near Lahainaluna. Photo by Kira Nakamura."

The need for more stringent enforcement of trash dumping and better waste management programs is highlighted by this fire in Maui. What makes trash dumping even a worse wildfire hazard is when it sits in dry gulches, where wildfires can really pick up due to winds and convection.

From the Source:

"A fire near Lahainaluna High School burned an estimated seven acres since it started on Saturday afternoon, May 16, 2015.

Maui Fire Services Officer Edward Taomoto said crews were primarily focusing on stubborn areas along the Kahoma Stream gulch where partially buried organic material, trash and abandoned vehicles were making the fire especially difficult to extinguish."

Two Small Brush Fires Doused Near Kapalua Ziplines

Wildfires in Western Maui are quite frequent, especially during the dry season. Learn more about what people's wildfires concerns and project ideas are in the area in our Western Maui CWPP.

From the Source: 

Maui Now graphic.

"Maui firefighters doused two small brush fires in West Maui on Wednesday afternoon, May 13, 2015.

The first was reported at 3:34 p.m. in the area of Kapalua Ziplines.

Nāpili firefighters arrived on scene at 3:51 p.m. to find a 30 by 150 foot strip of grass burning along a dirt road."

Devastating Wildfires Pose Growing Threat to Hawaii's Lush Forest and Water Resources

Excellent, well-rounded article about the mauka to makai connectivity in regards to wildfires. Our wildfire issues are making national headlines!

From the Source:

"In addition to chipping away at the last of Hawaii's native forests, wildfires also threaten the state's limited freshwater resources. According to Elizabeth Pickett of the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, fires can make the soil hydrophobic, meaning less water infiltrates the soil and contributes to the state's precious groundwater resources.

Wildfires are also destructive to the state's treasured coral reefs.

The most recent National Climate Assessment reports that Hawaii's coral reefs are already struggling to survive due to bleaching events and ocean acidification."

Sign-up for a free-trial of ClimateWire to read the full article (it's worth it!):

http://www.eenews.net/login?r=%2Fclimatewire%2Fstories%2F1060016599%2Fsearch%3Fkeyword%3Dhawaii

"A forest fire creeps down to the sea from the West Maui Mountains.
Photo courtesy of Peter Liu."

Waiehu Brush Fire in Old Mac Nut Fields Burns 1/4 Acre

From the Source: 

"A fire burned about a quarter acre of grass and brush off of the Kahekili Highway before being brought under control on Friday night, Nov. 7, 2014.

Fire crews from Wailuku and Kahului responded to reports of the fire located in the old macadamia nut fields, about a quarter mile mauka of the highway just north of Makaʻala Drive.

The incident was reported at around 9:22 p.m.  Fire officials say crews arrived on scene at 9:34 p.m., brought the fire under control by 9:42 p.m., and had the fire extinguished by 10:25 p.m."

Kihei Cane Burn Part of HC&S Annual Harvest

This is a good time to practice the "Set" portion of your Ready, Set, Go! Hawaii Wildland Fire Action Guide. Pay attention to your surroundings including any sudden changes in wind. Even if it is a "controlled" burn, the best is to be prepared for the worst case scenario. You can access updates via text, email or online at HCSugar.com.

From the Source: 

"Several residents sent in photos this morning of a scheduled cane fire in South Maui.

The plume of smoke from the fire could be seen from Māʻalaea Harbor with light winds carrying the smoke skyward.

According to notifications from Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company, the fire was a scheduled burn that began at 6 a.m., and was to conclude 10 a.m. above Hawaiian Cement near Kīhei.

The burn is part of the company’s 142nd harvest that began in mid-March."

Above: "Oct. 27, 2014, 6:15 a.m. from Māʻalaea Harbor toward Kīhei. Courtesy Steve Butler aboard the Mahana Naiʻa." 

Crews Battle 10 Acre Brush Fire in Lahaina

Wildfire season continues to cause headaches in West Maui. Mahalo to all of the firefighters who have kept communities safe and sound.

It's important to do you part to help assist firefighters, as well, by following the Ready, Set, Go! program guidelines.

From the Source: 

"A 10 acre brush fire in West Maui was called 100% contained by 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014.

Fire officials said crews remained on scene this morning putting out hot spots and conducting mopup operations.

Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga said there were no injuries and no dollar loss reported. The cause of the fire, he said, is undetermined.

The fire was first reported at around 3:49 p.m. on Tuesday in an area of brush above the Honoapiʻilani Highway and Keawe Street."

Above: "Lahaina brush fire, Sept. 23, 2014." Credit - Bryan Dickson