Questions Raised Over Cause of Yet Another Brush Fire in Hawaii Kai

KHON2 video screen capture of Hawaii Kai brushfire.

It has been a scary year for Hawaii Kai residents -- more than a dozen brushfires have burned in the area this year. HWMO is currently in discussions with stakeholders and community members in Hawaii Kai to begin the Firewise Communities certification process. Grassroots, community-based organizing will be a key to keeping residents, farmers, and others in the area safe from wildfires.  

From the Source:

"The location of the fire is in the area of Niumalu Loop, near the entrance of the valley, which was the scene of a recent rash of suspicious brush fires that have been plaguing the community throughout the year."

"The two-acre fire was contained just before 2:20 a.m., and officials have deemed the cause of the fire as undetermined, but remains under investigation."

HFD Suspects Arson in Recent String of Hawaii Kai Brush Fires

Credit: Blake Kinoshita / KFVE

A recent string of brush fires in Hawaii Kai has been understandably making nearby residents nervous. HWMO will be taking part in two different community events on the week of June 5th to help address concerns and offer advice on next steps for community action. Mahalo to State Senator Stanley Chang and Representative Gene Ward for the invites to the meetings and for bringing attention to this growing issue.

From the Source:

"ʻWhat's being done in Hawaii Kai is totally unacceptable and we don't wish it on any community and that's why it's got to be stopped. It's gotta be stopped now,ʻ said state Rep. Gene Ward (R) Hawaii Kai.

Ward is organizing a June 6 town hall meeting where fire officials, police and wild fire experts will provide the public with the latest details on the fires.

'There are a lot of eyes and ears watching so whoever is doing this, they're going to get caught,' he said.

Firefighters Battle Small Brush Fire on Waahila Ridge

Fire on Waahila Ridge on May 10, 2017. Credit: KHON2

Brush fire on Waahila Ridge, near Saint Louis Heights, on Oahu may be a sign of things to come this summer? Stay vigilant and make sure to check out Wildfire Lookout! for more information on how to prepare for wildfires.

From the Source:

"Crews received the call for the fire around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, and stationed a fire monitor to watch the blaze, which was determined to be slowly moving."

Brush Fire Flares Up Across From Sandy Beach

KHON2 Screen Capture

It may be surreal to watch as horses are led through sidewalks of paved streets in an urban neighborhood, but that was the reality on Saturday, February 4th when a couple wildfires in East Oahu filled neighborhoods with smoke (and burned to the edge of a home). If you have pets or livestock on a property, follow the step-by-step evacuation plan checklist on pages 15-16 of the Ready, Set, Go! Wildland Fire Action Guide.

Personal recreational drones complicated the firefight for Honolulu Fire Department. Please make sure to keep drones out of the air during wildfires as they are a safety hazard for helicopters. A trending YouTube video is not worth risking the lives and safety of our firefighters and communities.

From the Source:

"There were tense moments for homeowners, with one house just feet away from the scorched ground. Firefighters were stationed nearby to safeguard homes.

HFD Capt. David Jenkins said the fire quickly grew “with the winds being variable and blowing in different directions, causing some impact on the fire.”

The fire was called contained at approximately 3:45 p.m. No homes were damaged or directly threatened by the fire, and there were no evacuation of residents.

Jenkins did say that the fire did go up and into Koko Crater and the stables were evacuated. None of the horses were injured."

Kapolei and Koko Head Fires Prompt Road and Trail Closures

Credit: Branden Lohrey / Hawaii News Now

Wildfires can have impacts even on your favorite hiking and recreational destinations. You can help protect your favorite places by volunteering with groups that hold flammable/invasive vegetation removal days or if there is not a group already doing it, a great place to start is to group up with others who want to protect those areas.

From the Source:

“One fire closed lanes in Kapolei, while a separate fire shut down the Koko Head hiking trail and gun range.

Eastbound lanes on Farrington Highway were closed near Honokai hale and Kalaeloa due to a fire that broke out around noon Sunday. That fire has since been contained.

Traffic was slow-going as east bound lanes were rerouted. 

The Koko Head hike and gun range was also closed as firefighters battled a brush fire that also started around noon Sunday. 

Witnesses in the area say that police blocked the entrance to the popular trail and did not let anyone enter the hike.”

Kalaeloa Paintball Business Surveys Damage After Brush Fire

KHON2 Screen capture

It pains us to see the damage occurred to this hard working business owner, Bob Kahana, who has put so much time and effort into building his popular business, on top of losing a dog in the large Kalaeloa brushfire. But we are inspired by his resilience - "Yeah, well, we started from nothing. We'll get it back up." We are with you, Bob, and hope you and your business spring back onto your feet.

From the Source:

"Bob Kahana, co-owner of Hawaii Extreme Paintball, says a dog did not survive the fire, and nearly three acres of the property burned down.

Kahana estimates the fire will cause about a 60-percent loss in business.

‘I don’t want to say we got a lick, but we’ll see,’ he said.”

Wind-Whipped Brush Fires Burn in Kalaeloa and Waianae

"Smoke is seen coming from a fire in the Kalaeloa area (Image: Carrie Cavallo)"

Having an evacuation plan for your business is just as important as having one for your household. Our hearts go out to those working or who own businesses in Kalaeloa and we hope all have made it out of the large brushfire safely.

From the Source:

"'We can't actually even go through the back road. It's blocked off and I guess the brush fire is actually making its way back to that side,' said truck driver Thomas Ramento.

'We have animals in the yard and we have employees back there. And I don't know how they're doing. They're not answering their phones,' said Joe Valdez, owner of Joel Trucking LLC.

The owner of Hawaii Extreme Paintball and Airsoft said he believes his business may be in jeopardy.

'The fire is on our end, it's heading to our place,' Bob Kahana said. 'We have a 50 by 50 wood structure, upstairs, downstairs. We have three different fields. Fire gets inside there, it would be totaled, devastating," he said.'"

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."

Watch Out for Wildfires

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Currently there are several updates to Community Wildfire Protection Plans in the works, as well as new plans being developed.

Mahalo to The Garden Island for the nice feature on the wildfire situation in Kauai and the Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) that HWMO has been working.

From the Source:

“Don’t be fooled by the rain we might get and think we’re off the hook,” said Elizabeth Pickett, executive director of Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, a nonprofit that’s dedicated to spreading wildfire education. “Rain makes more vegetation grow, that dries out and then there’s more fuel for wildfire.”

Pablo Beimler, HWMO coordinator, said with the extensive drought period the state experienced earlier this year, and the EL Nino phenomenon that’s in effect “could spell trouble in the number of ignitions and the sizes.”

In preparation for that dry summer, HWMO has been working on six Community Wildfire Protection Plans, which outline the wildfire hazard sand issues each specific community faces, the organizations and entitles that have a stake in wildfire management, and how they can work together to minimize the number and sizes of wildfires this season.

How to Enjoy Fourth of July Fireworks and Firecrackers

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Credit: HWMO

Here is some important County-by-County information on July 4th Weekend fireworks permitting and public shows. Fireworks are a common cause of brushfires in dry, grassy areas - attend and enjoy public fireworks displays to maximize safety and fire protection.

From the Source: 

• "Fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burns and eye injuries.
• Young children and fireworks do not mix. Never give fireworks, even sparklers to young children. Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Older children should only use fireworks under the direct supervision of an adult.
• Always read and follow all warnings and instructions listed by the manufacturer for the safe use and handling of fireworks.
• Make sure you have a clear, flat area to use the fireworks; away from structures, dry grass or brush, or other readily ignitable materials.
• Have a water hose or bucket of water readily available in case of a fire."

Firefighters Contain Brush Fire Along Waialae Nui Ridge

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“Because of drought conditions, so far this year over 10,000 acres have already burned from brush fires — twice the number of acres burned during all of 2015.”

Firefighters are thus working as hard as ever to protect communities from dangerous wildfires, including this fire in Kahala that burned close to homes on a steep ridge. A rogue drone was flown in the operation area, prompting HFD and police to call on the drone operator to land. "Having a drone in the air just isn't safe" for firefighters. Please refrain from using drones in areas where firefighters are fighting a blaze. A GoPro video is not worth risking the safety of our firefighters. Please share this message.

From the Source:

“’I thought the fire was going the other way, but it came as close as my property line,’ said Waialae Nui resident Edwin Motoshige. ‘Firemen were here so thankfully, yeah, it was okay.’

‘During our operations, some of our firefighters noticed a drone in the air kind of hovering around right where we were working in our operational areas,’ he said.

Once HFD found the drone’s operator, police were called and the drone was forced to land. With Air One overhead and crews on the ground, Mejia said having a drone in the air just isn’t safe.

‘Sometimes it gets too close in the way of what we’re trying to do and if there’s a failure of the drone, who knows what could happen,’ he said.”

Organizations Kick Off Wildfire and Drought Look Out! Campaign

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Credit - Molly Solomon/HPR

HWMO and its partners statewide worked together to launch Wildfire & Drought Look Out!, Hawaii's first coordinated statewide wildfire outreach campaign. Here are a number of news clippings from TV, radio, and newspaper sources and the links to each source.

KHON2:

“‘I have been preparing for it for years now,’ said Momoa. ‘Ever since I moved in there, I could see the vision that it was going to burn soon.’”

Big Island Now:

“‘We have set up both a public and a media page on the HWMO website. The public page will have loads of information for home and property owners on how best to prepare for the possibility of wildfire well in advance,’ said HWMO Executive Director Elizabeth Pickett. ‘We’ll include water saving information which is really topical during this prolonged drought event in many areas across the state, largely caused by El Nino weather conditions.’

HWMO will also maintain and manage a media page, where partners can contribute story ideas and leads for reporters and their news organizations.”

Maui News:

“Prevention suggestions include:

* Clearing combustible materials near homes and lanais.

* Keeping grass short and tree branches off of the ground.

* Creating a defensible space at least 100 feet around a home.

* Removing leaves and debris from gutters and roofs.

* Covering eaves and vents with -inch mesh.

* Creating and practicing a family evacuation plan.”

HPR:

“With an above-average fire season ahead, state officials stress a need for public awareness. Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization is a nonprofit that’s working with federal, state and local agencies to kick start a campaign to provide information and tips for homeowners. More information can be found on their website, hawaiiwildfire.org.”

Honolulu Civil Beat:

More than 60 percent of the state is experiencing moderate drought conditions, and parts of the Big Island are facing extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

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Credit - Clay Trauernicht

“We hope this campaign, which has both a public and a media component, will educate and inform everyone living in and visiting Hawaii about the year-around threat of wildfires,” DLNR Director Suzanne Case said in a release.

Hookele News:

“The campaign seeks to educate homeowners and communities and empower them to take proactive steps that reduce the chances of wildfire ignition and create safer conditions for our firefighters.”

Hawaii Faces Increased Wildfire Risk This Summer

Nationally, Hawaii is on the map this year (along with Alaska and the Southwest) as being an area of "increased danger for significant wildland fires from May through August" according to a new report from the National Interagency Fire Center.

Our partners Clay Trauernicht, from University of Hawaii CTAHR Cooperative Extension, and Captain David Jenkins, from Honolulu Fire Department, do a great job in this Hawaii News Now report to explain the current drought and wildfire situation and what that means for Hawaii visitors and residents.  Stay tuned for the statewide wildfire prevention and preparedness campaign set to launch real soon!

From the Source:

'We've sort of been tracking the progression of the drought, so we're pretty well aware that we're facing an above-average fire season for the summer,' said Clay Trauernicht, a wildfire specialist with the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension.

'We're seeing reports of El Nino subsiding, but what that means for us is, it's sort of leading us right into our summertime dry season. So even though it's going to look like a normal summer, we have this big rainfall deficit from the wintertime,' Trauernicht said.

Several agencies are working together and will soon be launching a new wildfire prevention and preparedness campaign to help keep communities safe.

'There's a lot of things you can do both to prevent fires from starting, as well as reducing fire risks around your homes,' Trauernicht said."

Drought Conditions Fueling Brush Fire Potential

Screenshot from KHON2 video.

A statewide drought means more wildfires. Check out this KHON2 video on the current state of the drought, what this means for wildfire potential, and tips for making sure your family is safe from wildfire.

From the Source:

"So how can you prepare?

Fire officials say if you live in an area near lots of dry grass you should create a 30-foot safety zone around your home.

You should make sure to remove leaves or other combustibles that could help the fire spread.

Also, make sure your family has an evacuation plan in case you have to leave your home.

'Just a few weeks of dry season or very dry weather can bring water content down on the vegetation and could bring your home into harms way,' said Jenkins."

Bulky Trash Near Hydrants Obstructs Firefighters

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Screenshot from KITV4 video.

Disposing of green waste in Hawaii may not always be the most convenient chore for residents, but taking that extra step to dispose of it makes a huge difference for the community. Not only are you helping eliminate "eye-sores", but you are also contributing immensely to public safety. Less green waste means less of a wildfire risk and greater access for firefighters who rely on every second. Check out this KITV4 exclusive:

From the Source:

"You can't park your car in front of a hydrant, so why would you block the fire hydrant and then risk the firemen not being able to access it when there is a fire." - Jimmy Muneoka, Kahaluu Resident

"Residents need to become partners with each other and look out for people who are dumping on their own sidewalks." - Kymberly Pine, Honolulu City Council

Diamond Head Brush Fire Burns 2 Acres

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Credit: Iris Takahashi / special to Hawaii News Now

The highly-trafficked Diamond Head, one of Hawaii's most notable landmarks, was ablaze on Tuesday, March 29th. One witness mentioned her "surprise" about it. However, this will be more and more of a common scene, regardless of what area you live in, because of the current drought. Drought means a higher wildfire risk! Stay vigilant of your surroundings and the changing conditions around you. 

From the Source:

"Fire crews fought nearly two hours to contain a brush fire at one of Hawaii's best known landmarks. Fueled by high winds, the blaze scorched about two acres on the exterior of the Diamond Head State Monument before it was contained.

'I just think it's shocking. I run this area everyday. Five to seven days a week and don't expect to see this, especially on Diamond Head. This is one of the most pronounced landmarks here,' said Saint Louis Heights resident Victoria Sherwood.'"

Community Rallies Together on Day 4 of Nanakuli Wildfire

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Helicopter flying over homes in Nanakuli. Credit - Terry Reis/Hawaii News Now

"Usually a fire like this doesn't happen until the summer but it's drier than normal for this time of year, so I think the brush fire season started a little bit early," said Steinke.

The drought due to El Nino is leading to an early surge in wildfires this year. Firefighters are working tirelessly across the state to protect communities from wildfire, and in turn, communities are showing their appreciation for their work. It gives us a warm feeling to see such selfless acts of thankfulness for our brave firefighters.

From the Source:

In the meantime, the community is rallying to support the hard working firefighters. Donated food and drinks were brought to the Nanakuli Fire Station Sunday.

"My heart is just out to the firemen," said organizer Alika Laronal. "They've been working since Thursday and I believe that anything would help."

Ongoing Brush Fire Burns Estimated 2,500 Acres on Nanakuli Ridge

When there is drought, there is no doubt that wildfires are right around the corner. A number of homes were threatened from this fast-spreading wildfire. We hope all remain safe and informed regarding fire updates from HFD. Remember, even if the fire may seem like it is heading away from danger, our ever-changing winds are a constant threat and can rapidly change the direction of the fire. Stay vigilant!

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Courtesy - Kristopher Pinero

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Courtesy - Hawaii News Now

From the Source:

"'It’s been difficult cause of weather, weather plays a big role cause in the daytime the wind usually comes down the slope but at night time things change and the wind changes direction and goes up slope so it plays tricks on the fire and helps go in a different direction,' said Honolulu Fire Dept. Capt. James Todd."

“'Our main object to protect homes so now its high on mountain but just in case there are hot spots some embers still burning,' said Paul Miguel with the Honolulu Fire Department. 'The challenges are cause of terrain its steep even in lower areas it was easy accessible. Did a great job putting out edge of fire. We’re going to keep an eye on it cause there’s a lot of hot spots. Then there’s the steepness going up. Maybe four going up tomorrow,'"

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!."  

Oahu Hit Hard By Wildfires, Study Finds

Drs. Clay Trauernicht and Creighton Litton (both at University of Hawaii, CTAHR) gave excellent interviews regarding wildfires in Hawaii and the threats they pose on people and landscapes. Honolulu Star-Advertiser placed the story front and center on their Sunday paper and Hawaii Public Radio filled the airwaves about the scale and scope of Hawaii’s wildfire issues— information likely new to much of their audiences.  

In addition to Trauernicht and Litton of UH CTAHR, Elizabeth Pickett of HWMO was a co-author, along with Christian Giardina and Susan Cordell of the US Forest Service, and Andrew Beavers at the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands at Colorado State University. HWMO created the database and fire history map that was the foundation of the research.  The research article can be found here:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283685661_The_Contemporary_Scale_and_Context_of_Wildfire_in_Hawai'i_1

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"Firefighters battled a brush fire in upper Makakilo in August 2014. Authorities later determined that the fire was started by two boys playing with a lighter." (Krystle Marcellus/Honolulu Star Advertiser)

From the Source:

"'People don’t typically think of wildfire as a frequent disturbance on tropical islands,' said Trauernicht in a UH release Friday.

But between 2005 and 2011, there were about 1,007 wildfires statewide that burned an average of about 20,000 acres, the researchers found.

A 108-year history showed a more-than-fourfold increase in acreage burned annually statewide, they found."

"'Oahu is off the charts,' he said, adding that Maui averaged about 200 wildfires annually."

"Observers say in Hawaii, more homes being built near open brush land sometimes force firefighters to place themselves dangerously between the fires and houses."