Big Island establishes interagency working group to address fire issues

An interagency working group – dedicated to addressing and preparing for fire issues following recent fires on the Big Island and the extensive devastation on Maui – has been established on the Big Island.

The Hawaiʻi Fire and Emergency Response Collaborative will convene regional agencies, experts, and stakeholders to formulate strategies, facilitate resource-sharing, and streamline communication to enhance responses to wildfires and other emergencies.

This collaborative effort will encompass representatives from various Federal, State, and County departments and organizations such as the American Red Cross, Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management, Firewise, and community stakeholders.

The primary objectives of the Hawaiʻi Fire and Emergency Response Collaborative are as follows:

• Development of a comprehensive wildfire prevention and response strategy.
• Enhancement of coordination and communication among agencies and first responders.
• Strengthening public education and outreach on fire safety and emergency preparedness.
• Identification of funding opportunities for wildfire mitigation and recovery efforts.
• Utilization of local and regional resources to bolster disaster resilience.

Public input will be a component of the work of the Hawaiʻi Fire and Emergency Response Collaborative. A notice will be sent before public meetings to ensure adequate time for planning and attendance. The public can expect meetings to commence in October.