Community Risk Reduction Initiatives
The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife supports statewide efforts to reduce wildfire risk through collaboration, education, and community-based action. Working in partnership with the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO), DLNR Forestry & Wildlife helps residents, neighborhoods, and organizations plan, prepare, and take practical steps to reduce wildfire hazards.
Our shared programs and initiatives, including Firewise USA® Hawai‘i, the Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT! Campaign, and the Hawai‘i Wildfire Community Risk Reduction Grant Program, support local leadership, improve community preparedness, and strengthen on-the-ground mitigation efforts across the islands.
Firewise USA® Hawai‘i
Firewise USA® helps communities work together to lower wildfire risk around homes and landscapes. With technical support from HWMO and local fire departments, residents organize as Firewise sites by completing risk assessments, developing action plans, and carrying out annual mitigation projects.
There are currently 32 recognized Firewise communities across Hawai‘i, each taking local ownership of mitigation, education, and maintenance. Benefits include improved safety, access to grants, and stronger coordination between neighbors and local responders.
Learn more or start a Firewise site: Firewise USA® Hawai‘i – HWMO
Email: [email protected]
Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT! Campaign
The Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT! campaign is a statewide outreach effort coordinated by HWMO and partners to increase awareness of seasonal wildfire and drought conditions. The campaign shares practical steps residents can take to prepare their homes, lands, and communities before the dry season.
Through videos, social media, radio, and community events, the campaign encourages everyone to stay wildfire and drought ready.
Learn more: Wildfire & Drought LOOKOUT!
Hawai‘i Wildfire Community Risk Reduction Grant Program
Launched in 2025, this state-funded program supports local projects that reduce wildfire risk through fuels reduction and prevention planning. Administered by HWMO in partnership with DOFAW, it complements federal programs and provides a direct mechanism for Hawai‘i-based communities to access mitigation funding.
In its first year, 22 proposals were submitted, nine were funded, and more than 12,000 acres of mitigation work began statewide. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, community associations, and government agencies. Grants of up to $300,000 require a 25 percent match and must be completed by May 2026.
Learn more or apply: Hawai‘i Wildfire Community Risk Reduction Grant Program
Email: [email protected]
Additional Wildfire Mitigation Grant Opportunities
In addition to the new state-funded Hawai‘i Wildfire Community Risk Reduction Grant Program, Hawai‘i communities can continue to apply for several federal wildfire mitigation grants administered through DLNR Forestry & Wildlife. These programs remain active and complement state efforts by supporting community-level planning, fuel reduction, and wildfire preparedness:
- Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Grant Program: Supports hazardous fuel reduction, community outreach, assessment, planning, and training in areas where homes and other development meet wildland vegetation. Learn more: WUI Grant Program
- Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) Program: Provides federal funding to help at-risk communities develop or update Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) and implement priority mitigation projects. Learn more: Community Wildfire Defense Grant
Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs)
Community Wildfire Protection Plans are locally developed plans that identify wildfire risks and outline community priorities for mitigation. These plans are key to qualifying for many wildfire funding opportunities and help guide coordinated action between residents, agencies, and partners.
View and download plans by island: Community Wildfire Protection Plans
Working Together
DLNR Forestry & Wildlife and HWMO collaborate to strengthen wildfire preparedness, expand community capacity, and connect residents to statewide resources and funding. Together with partners across government, conservation, and local communities, we are building a more fire-resistant Hawai‘i that protects both people and place.