#wildfire
Grant applications now open for wildfire mitigation projects across Hawai‘i
Grants of up to $300,000 are now available for high-impact, shovel-ready projects that reduce hazardous fuels and improve wildfire safety in areas where communities and natural landscapes meet.
New report confirms 2025 was Hawai‘i’s second driest, warmest year on record
Published by the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, this first-of-its-kind report uses plain language, along with easy-to-interpret maps and figures, to summarize statewide rainfall, temperature, and drought conditions over the past year.
Maui’s recovering tourism industry receives boost from return of the humpback whales
Watching the majestic humpback whales has become a tradition woven into the tourism economy of Maui Nui ever since they started coming back from near extinction in the 1970s due to successful conservation efforts.
Maui lawyer creates web series in Ilocano to help the Filipino language flourish
“The more minority languages are able to be used as the medium of communication in popular mass audience media, the more likely a language will persevere and survive,” said Lance Collins, writer and producer of “All The Things I Leave You.”
Mana Road fire 65% contained; no residences or structures threatened
As of this morning, firebreaks have been cut completely around the burn area.
UPDATE: Wildfire near Pa‘auilo that ignited Friday afternoon now 75% contained
Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda reports that less than 180 acres have burned between mile markers 36 and 39 of Highway 19 in Hāmākua; Hawai’i Fire Department personnel continue to respond to the blaze makai of the highway.
University of Hawai‘i seeks additional funding to operate weather stations throughout state
The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is partnering with the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources to improve flood and wildfire early warning systems by installing 100 weather monitoring stations across the main Hawaiian Islands.
National park reopens Maunaulu parking lot, associated trails as wildfire smolders
Firefighters continue to suppress the 78-acre Makaopuhi Fire in the remote middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea volcano south of Nāpau Crater inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. It is 70% contained and poses no threats to homes or structures.
After Lāhainā fire ruled ‘accidental,’ survivors still want accountability, compensation
Some families are struggling to rebuild and plan for the future with the timing of the proposed $4 billion settlement for survivors up in the air.
Wildfire burning near Nāpau Crater in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park; Kīlauea not erupting
A U.S. Geological Survey overflight at about 11:30 a.m. on Monday confirmed that the plume and glow seen on a webcam near a recent eruption were due to a small wildfire.
Hawai‘i Island leader in wildfire management honored in New York City
Elizabeth Pickett was honored by the media organization Grist for tackling pressing climate problems.
Big Island Now poll results: Mixed feelings felt about Hawaiian Electric’s Public Safety Power Shutoff program
Thirty-four percent of voters felt PSPS put people at risk as losing power would mean losing the ability to power medical supplies.
Big Island Now poll no. 57: What are your thoughts on the Public Safety Power Shutoff program?
The Public Safety Power Shutoff Program, or PSPS, started July 1.
Hawaiian Electric installing video cameras in fire-risk areas throughout the state
The power company signed a five-year contract with California-based ALERTWest that will install a total of 78 camera stations in elevated fire risk areas on the five islands served by the company, with each location having two cameras to provide a full 360-degree view.
Hawaiian Electric to shut off power during high wind days to avoid risk of wildfires
This program will impact approximately 19,300 customers on the Big Island located between Kohala and Waikōloa in North Hawai‘i, between Kalaoa and Hōlualoa in West Hawai‘i and between Mauna Kea Access Road and Waiki‘i Ranch.
First monthly test of outdoor warning siren system scheduled
The siren test will be coordinated with a test of the Live Audio Broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System.
2 roads, Pepeiao Cabin and Kaʻū Desert Trail reopen in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
The park temporarily closed Pepeiao Cabin and much of Kaʻū Desert Trail in October because of increased seismicity in the area south-southwest of Kīlauea caldera.
Big Island Now poll no. 38: How can State Legislature protect Hawai‘i Island from future wildfires
On Nov. 1, the Wildfire Prevention Working Group published a draft report. On Nov. 17, it heard public testimony.
Pōhakuloa Training Area brush fire at 300 to 500 acres, 60% containment
Firefighters are working closely with the Pōhakuloa Training Area environmental section to identify and protect areas with natural and cultural items.
Big Island Now poll results: Emergency access to communities needs improvement islandwide
In looking at how emergency access can improve in communities, voters in the latest Big Island Now poll had one clear answer: build more roads.
