Community Risk Reduction Initiatives | Division of Forestry and Wildlife: Forestry Program

Resource Title: Community Risk Reduction Initiatives | Division of Forestry and Wildlife: Forestry Program

Organization: Department of Land and Natural Resources

Description:

The Community Risk Reduction Initiatives led by DLNR DOFAW’s Fire Management Program focus on preventing and preparing for wildland fires across Hawaiʻi. The program collaborates with federal, county, and local agencies to engage communities through awareness campaigns, planning, and grants aimed at reducing wildfire risk in Hawaiian landscapes.

Target Audience: Educators, Facilitators, High School, College

Instructional Roles: Enrichment

Environment: Classroom, Self-guided

Content Type: Service, volunteer work

Type Of Engagement: Investigate

Format: Webpage

Activity:

Campaigns & Events: Includes Wildfire LOOKOUT! and annual Community Wildfire Preparedness Day in May to educate and involve residents on fire safety
Hazard Mitigation Planning: Supports Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) across 13 regions (e.g., Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui Nui, Hawaiʻi Island), aiding local planning and hazard mapping
Grant Programs: Administers Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) grants and Community Wildfire Defense Grants to support fuel reduction, planning, and education initiatives
Firewise Partnership: As State Liaison for Firewise USA, DOFAW fosters community-level mitigation (e.g., defensible space, fuel breaks) by supporting 11 recognized Firewise communities in Hawaiʻi

Topics Covered:

Wildfire awareness & preparedness campaigns
Development and implementation of CWPPs
Funding mechanisms for community-based fire management
Concepts like defensible space, fuel breaks, and fire-adapted communities
Local (island-specific) wildfire risk reduction strategies

Have a question, found an issue, or just want to connect?Reach out to us anytime. We're here to help.

Have a question, found an issue, or just want to connect?
Reach out to us anytime. We're here to help.