Laserfiche WebLink
• <br /> HAZARD REDUCTION PRIORITIES <br /> Purpose and Methods <br /> Priority action items have been developed from a number of sources,including input from <br /> community and agency participants in the planning process,noted deficiencies in local <br /> firefighting capabilities,and issues identified through the risk assessment.These actions address <br /> the following goals: <br /> 1. Enhance wildfire response capabilities. <br /> 2. Reduce risk and hazards through pro-active wildfire mitigation,including: <br /> • Increasing stakeholder knowledge about wildfire risk through education and <br /> outreach; <br /> • Encouraging the treatment of structural ignitability; <br /> • Prioritizing fuel reduction projects; and <br /> • Increasing opportunities for collaboration and coordination to implement wildfire <br /> mitigation projects. <br /> 3. Address the list of community concerns. <br /> These priority action items follow the guidelines for HFRA,which requires: <br /> • Step 6a- Community Hazard Reduction Priorities <br /> o Priority Actions (General) <br /> o Hazardous Fuels Reduction <br /> • Step 6b-Recommendations to Reduce Structural Ignitability <br /> Priority Actions for Ka`u <br /> Action items addressing wildfire issues are listed below,in order of priority: <br /> 1. Install pre-staged static water and helicopter dip tanks. <br /> 2. Acquire adequate resources for first responders: <br /> a. Appropriate technology resources for mapping at each fire station and on- <br /> location; and <br /> b. Water tanker/tenders (minimum 2000 gallon tanker/tender with high wheel base <br /> for off-highway capabilities). <br /> 3. Wise development in fire prone areas. Create development standards and implement <br /> community planning that requires the mitigation of wildfire risks at the regional, <br /> community/subdivision,roads/highways,and individual structure levels. <br /> 4. Reduce fuel load and/or appropriately convert fuels along road sides,in community open <br /> areas,around individual homes: <br /> a. Appropriate conversion would include transition to vegetation with low ignition <br /> potential and low ability to carry fire,especially native plants. This can be <br /> accomplished through installing/establishing living fuel breaks. <br /> b. Reduce fuels through well-managed grazing,mechanical reduction,herbicide,or <br /> combinations of all treatments. <br /> c. Encourage/educate large landowners to reduce fuels on private property. <br /> d. Identify opportunities to assist vulnerable populations (elderly,disabled)in <br /> creating defensible space around homes and property. <br /> 22 <br />