Statewide Warning: Honolulu Magazine Highlights Hawaii's Widespread Fire Risk
A recent article in Honolulu Magazine, “What Other Areas of Hawaiʻi Are at High Risk for Wildfires?”, delivers a critical message that every island resident needs to hear: the wildfire threat is not just a Maui problem or a Waikoloa problem—it is a statewide crisis.
Source: Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization
Key Takeaways from the Article:
The article, drawing on data from the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO), identifies several communities on multiple islands that share a high risk profile:
Oʻahu: Areas like the Waianae Coast, the North Shore around Kahuku, and the foothills of the Koʻolau range are highlighted as particularly vulnerable.
Kauaʻi: The dry leeward regions, including parts of the Waimea and Kekaha areas, are at significant risk.
Hawaiʻi Island: The article names explicitly the Waikoloa area as a high-risk zone, confirming what we in this community experience firsthand. Other areas include North Kohala, parts of Kona, and Kaʻū.
The common thread linking these areas is the prevalence of invasive grasses like guinea and fountain grass, which act as a perfect, widespread fuel source during dry periods.
Lessons Learned
The conditions that led to the Lahaina tragedy—invasive grasses, drought, and high winds—are present across the Hawaiian Islands, putting numerous communities in the path of potential disaster.
A Call for Proactive, Collective Action
The article underscores that addressing this risk requires a multi-faceted approach, including:
Community Preparedness: The work of organizations like HWMO and community groups is essential for creating Firewise communities and conducting fuel reduction projects.
Infrastructure Hardening: Assessing and upgrading critical infrastructure, including power lines and water systems, to withstand fire events.
Individual Responsibility: Homeowners taking steps to create defensible space around their properties.
For us in Waikoloa, this article validates our urgent advocacy for hardened power lines, a resilient water system, and a second evacuation route. It reminds us that we are not alone in this fight, but it also reinforces that our community is at the forefront of this statewide challenge.
The lesson is clear: we cannot be complacent. What happened in Lahaina was a wake-up call for all of Hawaii. We must learn from it and take aggressive, coordinated action to protect every vulnerable community before the subsequent fire starts.
Waikoloa is at Risk
The article specifically names the Waikoloa area as a high-risk zone, confirming what we in this community experience firsthand.
Read the full article from Honolulu Magazine here: What Other Areas of Hawaii Are at High Risk for Wildfires?
Stay aware, stay prepared.
- The Wildfire Safety Advocates of Waikoloa
