Latest reporting shows Waikōloa Village remains at extreme wildfire risk with only one main road out. Progress on a second road has stalled while agencies debate responsibility, leaving residents vulnerable to an already documented hazard.

On February 3, 2026, Wildfire Safety Advocates received a response from Mayor Kimo Alameda regarding the Waikōloa Village second road. Following review of the letter, the issue was escalated to state and federal officials to seek clarity, accountability, and resolution as engagement continues.

Congresswoman Jill Tokuda visited the north end of Waikōloa Village to see wildfire risk and evacuation constraints firsthand, including the long-planned Waikōloa Village second road that remains unbuilt despite years of study and growth.

On January 29, 2026, Wildfire Safety Advocates formally asked Mayor Kimo Alameda to act on the long-planned second access road for Waikōloa Village. Supported by approximately 50 community signatures, the letter calls for funded design work, a clear construction timeline, and transparency on this critical wildfire safety project.

Wildfire Safety Advocates clarifies reports about lapses in fire protection at Pōhakuloa Training Area, explains what happened, and outlines why staffing, transparency, and coordination matter for wildfire safety on Hawaiʻi Island.

The Wildfire Safety Advocates strongly encourage community participation in the upcoming Waikōloa Village Evacuation Traffic Study public meeting, hosted by the County of Hawaiʻi on Friday, January 9, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Waikōloa Village Association Golf Banquet Room.

Wildfire Safety Advocates is excited to share a big safety improvement for Waikōloa. After raising concerns about the Hulu Street Evacuation Route, the County of Hawaiʻi quickly added new pull-offs to make the road safer for our community during wildfire evacuations.

The Wildfire Safety Advocates team is launching a groundbreaking drone mapping project to fight wildfire risk in Waikōloa. Using multispectral cameras & 3D modeling, we'll identify fire fuel hotspots & create a digital twin for emergency planning. This open-data initiative aims to create a global model for community-led resilience.

After a thorough review of the plan HECO submitted in January 2025, the Wildfire Safety Advocates of Waikoloa (WSAW) has filed formal comments with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) urging them not to approve it. We believe this plan fails our community and the spirit of the law.

WSAW met with Hawaii County Department of Water Supply to advance emergency evacuation routes & resilient water solutions for wildfires. Read about the progress on utility road access & solar power for wells.

Hawaii County Council approves $2.5M to design Waikoloa's second access road, a historic first step after 17 years of advocacy. Read about the community's major victory for wildfire safety.

Data proves Waikoloa's 2nd road is a vital investment. Our actuarial report shows a $27.5M cost is dwarfed by the value of lives saved, using USDOT & Lahaina settlement data. Preventing just 2 fatalities justifies the project. Read the expert analysis.