#Wildfires

The drones are used as part of the power company’s ongoing wildfire strategy.

Waikōloa Village residents are encouraged to contribute to a safety-enhancing traffic study and participate in the Hulu Street evacuation drill from 9 to 11 a.m this Saturday.

As Hawaiʻi County prepares for 2026, residents are urged to enhance their disaster response skills through free Community Emergency Response Team training that will take place in January.

Mauna Loa Road and Hilina Pali Road have reopened after being closed since July due to high fire risk.

The $25.6 million initiative, called Sage Grande, is being led by the National Science Foundation. As part of the work, experts will be placing 300 advanced sensor systems in locations across the country to monitor the environment and provide faster warnings for natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and volcanic eruptions.

National Weather Service says increasing moisture associated with a passing upper-level disturbance will decrease critical fire weather conditions over the islands of Maui County and the Big Island.

Introduction comes after Trump Administration announced plans to cancel lease for essential government office connected to Mauna Loa Observatory.

Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded Saturday afternoon to a small wildfire near the 21-mile marker of Highway 19 near Pōhakupuka. Firefighters also battled 2 separate blazes about 15 to 20 miles north and west of there the prior 2 days that burned a total of less than about 330 acres.

Siren Towers will undergo testing on Friday as part of the monthly evaluation of the Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System, which covers all hazards.

The Hulu Street Evacuation Drill is set up twice each year to help residents get familiar with the route before an emergency situation.

Utility’s decision was based on wind and humidity conditions forecast for the remainder of the weekend, but if hazardous windy and dry weather suddenly returns, the Public Safety Power Shutoff Program, while not needed Saturday, could be considered again.

As a last line of defense, Hawaiian Electric could implement a public safety power shutoff, proactively disconnecting power in high-risk areas to reduce the chance for igniting wildfires. the electric utility urges its customers to review emergency plans and take steps to protect their homes and businesses.

Bipartisan TAME Extreme Weather and Wildfires Act introduced in U.S. Senate by Hawai’i Democrat Schatz and Montana Republican Sheehy would use artificial intelligence to better protect communities from increasing toll of extreme weather and wildfires.

Nonprofit based in Waimea on Big Island and dedicated to protecting Hawai‘i’s communities and natural resources from devastating effects of wildfires was one of just 5 organizations and individuals in the nation to be honored recently by National Association of State Foresters.

This spring, the Hawaiʻi Animal Kuleana Alliance will host an all-encompassing, intensive training program for animal rescue and recovery during disasters and everyday emergencies.

The power company continues to monitor the approach of Tropical Storm Hone and for signs of hazardous conditions.

Ceremonies and events were hosted Thursday throughout Hawai‘i — including in Hilo — to commemorate the 1-year anniversary of the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires that ravaged parts of Maui, especially the blaze that decimated historic Lahaina.

Fifteen stations will be installed on Hawai‘i Island.

“My perspective is that, like land and water, we need to treat seeds and plant lineages as a public trust,” said Clay Trauernicht.

Shift from El Nino to La Nina conditions also means there likely will be fewer tropical cyclones, including tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes, will move through the Central Pacific during the 2024 hurricane season.