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2024-05-06 Deborah Ward
3t.b �Q��� i�. dsv�a� � � a� � �� �� tv4-ec YO Ccxs ° s --/-1) s k 15 ( ,i•td A p p v iu : l'�ticve- 1 z /1- a�,v�a( �' J;nrc. 3 cS'e t U 2 R+c�4��v► re. kc12 gra KA`U COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLAN Sponsored by the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization I FIRE pow M v9)0; err= 1444ti5516., pp" ,. y w8xy.yw q , n 1 .v � "'" 4;1% ""`'�$�e' Au �� ;11,, ;44 %�� ' ' gam{ � n ,.. �..wr,T y4�F` _n,:DX' f � atY•M r M � * �,' �('4 Pakini Nui Wind Farm. Photo Courtesy Jesse Acosta,DLNR-DOFAW,2010. March 2010 Written by Elizabeth Pickett Fee and Miles Nakahara Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization © 2010 'd atS G mtg bY214. •d V geed Co TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 3 SIGNATURE PAGE ►��iintl4I i, 4 INTRODUCTION 1 , AWartness Goals and Objectives of CWPP ,r,to;a:•T;c nt Planning Area Boundaries st 6 BACKGROUND tjpl� 11113 Environment and Natural Resources aUWitire management t A Community Resources Wildfire History in Ka`u 10 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Fire Suppression Capabilities and Resources Training Resources and Needs Emergency Management Documents and Plans Multiple-Agency Agreements Evacuation Protocols and Needs Next Steps-Needs and Recommendations 12 PLANNING PROCESS CWPP Process and Methods Decision Makers Federal Agencies State and Local Agencies Interested Parties 15 WILDFIRE RISK ASSESSMENT Purpose and Methods Community Base Map Community Risk Assessment Communities at Risk from Wildfires Overall Community Priorities Community Concerns 22 HAZARD REDUCTION PRIORITIES Purpose and Methods Priority Actions for Ka`u Hazardous Fuels Reduction Reducing Structural Ignitability 27 ACTION PLAN Ka`u CWPP Action Plan Plan Implementation and Maintenance Finalize Plan 30 REFERENCES 2 • INTRODUCTION Goals and Objectives of the Ka`u CWPP This Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) was developed by the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) with guidance and support from Ka`u community members, decision makers, and local/state agencies concerned about fire issues in Ka`u. The Hawaii County Fire Department, the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency, the National Park Service, and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources were primary partners in developing this plan. The goals and objectives of this plan follow the intent and requirements of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act(HFRA)—HR 1904,which describes a CWPP as a fire mitigation and planning tool for an at-risk community that: A) Is developed within the context of the collaborative agreements and the guidance established by the Wildland Fire Leadership Council and agreed to by the applicable local government,local fire department,and State Agency responsible for forest management,in consultation with interested parties and the Federal land management agencies managing land in the vicinity of the at-risk community. B) Identifies and prioritizes areas for hazardous fuel reduction treatments and recommends the types and methods of treatment on Federal and non-Federal land that will protect one or more at-risk communities and essential infrastructure. C) Recommends measures to reduce structural ignitability throughout the at-risk community.' This plan addresses elements of fire protection,hazard assessment,wildfire mitigation priorities, and community outreach and education. The process used to develop this plan engaged a diversity of agencies and individuals concerned with the at-risk area,following the guidelines and requirements of federal programs such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Pre-Disaster Mitigation program and the National Fire Plan(NFP). Planning Area Boundaries The Ka`u CWPP fills in the existing gap between Ocean View CWPP boundaries to the northwest and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park CWPP boundaries to the east and northeast.The coastline delineates the remaining boundaries.The CWPP planning boundaries are the same as the wildland-urban interface (WUI) at-risk areas,which include surrounding lands to ensure adequate protection of WUI areas. See the maps below for planning area boundaries. 4 South Point CWPP: Fire Response Areas Hamakaa N. Into S. Hilo N. Kona /7 S. Kona / /./..---N Kan ,,� • �` re"' Wood Valley . , � Pahala / ,, N 1 \ Ninole \\**"'......N.'"'N',... -----_,___ '- Fire _ti 1 I I Honuapo Stations '`;-. Elevation Contours ..„ —700 Ft. Na'aiehu "2000 Ft "°^,1 i \ a..,,nso-CBPP I / —1 So.Point CWPP \0- —.Major Roads W" Waiohinu — District Boundaries Ocean View Ocean i low Vint,. 1.--5i=am ®DOFAW Primary Response Area HFD Prim Res+DOFAW Res w;Ckil Defense Appro.a Ka Lae FFD Primary Response/DOFAW Co-op Response _FA NP Primary RespOnsEDOFAW Co-op Response 0 2.5 5 10 15 m Man Impact Area No Fire-ROOK, lSArmy Primary ResponseiDOFAW Co-op Response lSostm by 0 Smth Co foe conn Mites for The Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization fi%oeln.C-IO It.the Ccmrnunit' Figure 1.CWPP Boundary Map. 5 BACKGROUND The entire Ka'u district has approximately 8,500 people and 1,000 square miles of land.2 Sixty- four percent(64%) of the land is zoned conservation,36% agricultural,and approximately 3% is urban. Ka`u is less developed than most of the nine districts in Hawaii County,according to the State Land Use classifications. Subdivisions covered by the CWPP are Discovery Harbour,Mark Twain Estates,Green Sands/Kiolakaa-Kea`a Homesteads,South Point,and the areas of Waiohinu,Na'alehu,Pahala, Wood Valley,and Kapapala. The greater Ka`u district includes Ocean View and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park(both covered by independent CWPP documents). The South Kona district lies to the northwest,the Puna District to the east. Environment and Natural Resources3 The Ka`u CWPP area is situated within the larger Hawaii County district of Ka`u . Formed from Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes and the prehistoric Ninole Volcano,the region is characterized by areas of barren lava,rocky substrate,and soil areas derived from volcanic ash. Elevations range from sea level to over 13,000 feet at the top of Mauna Loa. Climate The Ka`u region has a wide range of climatic conditions in a relatively small distance,providing diverse physical environments from the coastline to high elevations. The tradewinds are a dominant feature of the area.The degree to which wind reaches an area significantly determines its climatic (and fire hazard) conditions. The eastern portion of Ka`u is protected from the prevailing northeast trade winds due to its position in the dry leeward shadow of Kilauea. This area is known as the Ka`u desert,although it receives up to 40"per year of rain. Trade winds are,however,able to blow through the saddle between Mauna Loa and Kilauea, bringing moisture to the windward side of the Mauna Loa southwest rift zone,dropping as much as 120"of rain per year in the higher elevations. The leeward side of the Mauna Loa southwest rift zone receives an average annual rainfall of 60",only half that of the windward side. Ka Lae (South Point)has consistent exposure to strong,dry winds as moisture is lost before it reaches the area. Lower elevation temperatures range between approximately 57°F in the winter to over 90°F in the summer. Inland higher elevation areas experience cooler trends than the coast,with temperatures decreasing with elevation. Ecosystems Differences in climate,topography,and soils have resulted in unique ecosystems. The classification of terrestrial ecosystems is based on the elevation at which they occur. In general, koa and ohia forests are found at higher elevations.Areas considered prime agricultural lands are concentrated around Na'alehu-Waiohinu and Pahala just above and below Highway 11. Lava fields with mixed shrubs and grasses characterize the low-lying coastal areas. In the past several hundred years of human habitation,pristine native ecosystems have diminished. Human activity,particularly agriculture(i.e. sugar cane,macadamia nuts,poorly 6 managed grazing) and introduction of non-native plants and animals have displaced many of the historic plant and animal communities. Today,invasive grasses and shrubs and human-caused fire starts contribute to a cycle of hazardous wildfire conditions and increased post-burn conversion to non-native fire-promoting species.Despite the widespread alteration of native ecosystems,a few upland areas remain as habitat for rare,threatened,and endangered species and are protected. These mauka areas are less disturbed and contain abundant `ohia and koa forests,providing important habitat for native flora and fauna. Community Resources 3'4 Urban Centers Subdivisions and communities within the CWPP plan are spread widely throughout the area,and are serviced by two main urban centers,Na'alehu and Pahala. The town of Na'alehu boasts being the southernmost town in the United States.Its population is approximately 900. Na'alehu has a full complement of available utilities (except for sewers), electricity,phone,cable,and county water in many locations.Na'alehu has a post office,the district courthouse,a police station,a hardware store,credit union,real estate offices,a supermarket,a bar,a few restaurants,business offices,a dentist,an ambulance,an elementary school,a community center,and a park. The town lies in a region that provides some natural protection from Mauna Loa lava flows.Ranching operations are conducted in areas within and around Na'alehu.This area has more soil development than many other regions in Ka`u. Pahala is the only sizeable town between Na'alehu and Volcanoes National Park,a distance of about 38 miles.Population within Pahala is approximately 1,300. In the late 1800's,Pahala became the focal town of the northeastern side of the district of Ka`u.Pahala holds many of the area's community resources. This includes the Pahala Community Center and park,a swimming pool,Ka`u High School and Pahala Elementary School. There is a hospital with a 24-hour emergency room,fire station,bank,post office,video store,restaurant and three small markets. Pahala has electricity and telephone service,as well as cable television and high-speed broadbrand. There is County water distributed to most residences,which makes it one of the few towns in Ka`u that relies on municipal water rather than catchment and water hauling. Schools The State of Hawaii,Board of Education school complex area for Ka`u is the Ka`u-Kea`au- Pahoa Complex.The CWPP planning area includes Ka`u High and Pahala Elementary,Na'alehu Elementary and Intermediate School. Total enrollment in the 2009-2010 school year was 576 students at Ka`u High and Pahala Elementary.These two schools make up the second oldest public schools in the state of Hawaii. The Kapono building,still in use by Ka`u High School is the oldest public school building west of the Rocky Mountains.Total enrollment at Na'alehu Elementary and Intermediate for the 2009-2010 school year was 342 students. Park Facilities and Forest Reserves State Park facilities operated by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)within the CWPP planning area include three marine facilities: Honu'apo Pier,Kaulana Ramp,and Punalu`u Harbor.The State also manages the Ka`u and Kapapala Forest Reserves. The County of Hawaii manages and owns facilities at Kahuku Park,Waiohinu Park,Na'alehu Park, 7 • Whittington Beach Park,and the Pahala Community Center and swimming pool (although located on the school site,the Pahala recreational facilities are County facilities). Numerous shoreline areas are accessed for recreational activities throughout the CWPP plan area. Emergency Services Emergency management resources for the CWPP area are detailed in the Emergency Management chapter of this document. They include police,fire,and medical services. Historical and Cultural Resources The Ka`u Community Development Plan3(CDP)has identified State and National Registered Historic Resources,Natural Beauty Sites,and Heritage Linkage Corridors in Ka`u. Many of them fall within the CWPP planning boundaries and are considered important considerations for mitigating wildfire threats. Additional areas of cultural significance are spread throughout the CWPP region. Water Resourcess The County Department of Water Supply has two separate water systems in the Ka`u District, the Na'alehu-Waiohinu system and the Pahala system.Areas outside the range of these two small water supply systems are not served by municipal water. Residents and farmers within those areas rely on water catchment systems and hauling for potable water. Some of these areas receive less than 20"rainfall per year,requiring regular hauling or water delivery. Low rainfall in the past two decades has caused drought conditions that make catchment systems even more unreliable for water supply. Wildfire History in Ka`u Hazardous conditions exist throughout the Ka`u area. Steep slopes,rough terrain,strong trade winds,and a prevalence of fire-promoting fuels characterize the Ka`u landscape. This,coupled with warm weather,recurring drought conditions,and a history of human-caused fire starts puts the area at risk of wildfire. County Fire Department records document numerous fire starts along the main highway and community roads. In addition to Hwy 11,the three major concentrations of fires over 5 acres in the last decade have been on/near Cane Haul Road,Ninole Loop/Punalu`u Road,and in the South Point area. These fires spread through unmanaged fuels in the untended lands along the roads and between homes.Because houses are often spread out,significant fire spread occurs through the areas,endangering homes and lives. Both the shoreline and upland areas have access roads (multiple ignition points) and include older settlement areas,historical buildings,and irreplaceable cultural and natural resources. Many of these roads are unpaved. Unmanaged fire fuels (primarily grasses) in these areas create a significant hazard,as vehicles are common sources of fire ignition. Once ignited,these fires spread rapidly and threaten nearby community infrastructure,neighborhoods,grazing lands,and valuable native flora and fauna. Ka`u is extremely isolated and the closest water source can be many miles away. Catchment systems and hauled water are the only source of water for those residents not serviced by the two 8 ,_� small municipal systems. The distances to water resources and the high cost of hauled water are problematic for residents,business owners,and farmers,and hinder fire suppression capabilities in the area. A fire history map of Ka`u was created that documents Hawaii County Fire Department's response to fires over 5 acres between January 2000 and January 2010. This map also includes wildfire from HWMO's 85 year fire history map of the Island. See the fire history map below. Note the high frequency of fires near roads and neighborhoods on the WUI boundaries. Additional coastal and upland fires have taken place on private lands,with significant community-wide effects. Records of all County response fires since 2000 in the Ka'u CWPP area can be found in the appendix. Figure 2. Fire History Map. South Point CWPP:Fire History 13ainakna N.Bilo S.i ' / N. Kona MCP 7190 S.Kona Ilan . ..,-,4., J,- Wood " :.c .t..J Valley 20Q2 �'� _ _ '\l 17c,- ao j t Pahala 2VO1';. +t fib. y f' PLOAlot uta �1 Winole L ti ' v t., , Honuapo r A,- 1 Na'alehu r rna Sonans F:�vanon Cal dd "t�� ::a: eats W2VI CLVPP Ocean Vt.w , 1111...rowCOPF 71°8aaas � trl Fianaare: Ke Lae xf l Watohinu I Dela Sources.Cm**or 144wali HFC o 1* at eternal W'Ud;re li anaywnant Cagan¢wwn Slate Dept.r Forestry 5 WMlfa rMM�k n 9ndM co r o Ja;)p NPS Hawes(volcanoes flat al Park }a -Y: - F. ..rvm'sr--i--:•-m I:1110111Vt nit beel4m,nwwtoi 9 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Fire Suppression Capabilities and Resources6 Initial response to most fire, medical, and associated emergencies is the responsibility of the Hawaii County Fire Department. State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Federal,and landowner crews provide additional wildland fire fighting assistance. Although the County Fire Department has the following equipment,its resources are spread across the entire island of Hawaii.All of the equipment is not available for use in one specific district at one time due to geographic distance. For wildfire and rural use,the County Fire Department is equipped with ten water tenders deployed around the island,which have a total capacity of 13,850 gallons.In addition,they have acquired two special"brush"trucks for wildfire use.They operate a rescue helicopter and an ambulance helicopter that can provide bucket water drops when necessary.When more air support is needed,small and medium size private helicopters are hired.The National Guard maintains five large helicopters (Blackhawks) in Hilo,which have water bucket capabilities and have occasionally been hired by the State. However,water availability to support these aircrafts has been a problem.In addition to DLNR support,federal firefighters may be available from their station in the National Park and the Army's Pohakuloa Training Area. Training Resources and Needs Recommendations for additional training for firefighters include: • Basic Wildland Fire Training and Refresher Courses • Initial Attack Incident Command • Basic Fire Behavior • Helicopter Operations • Strategy and Tactics (S-336) • Basic and Intermediate Incident Command System(ICS) • Wildland Fire Chainsaws (S-212) Emergency Management Documents and Plans The CWPP is non-regulatory and cooperative in nature.The plan provides (1) a foundation-for increased communication,coordination and collaboration among agencies and the public,(2) identification and prioritization of areas for hazardous fuel reduction projects and wildfire mitigation actions,and (3) assistance meeting federal and state planning requirements and qualifying for assistance programs'. The CWPP works in conjunction with other County and State plans and programs including but not limited to: County of Hawaii: Ka'u Community Development Plan.' Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.2 County of Hawaii Drought Mitigation Strategies8 Ka`u to South Kona Water Master Plan4 10 State of Hawaii: State Drought Plan and the County Drought Mitigation Strategies9 State of Hawaii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan'° Multiple-Agency Agreements The federal,state,and local fire agencies of the Big Island have organized into the Big Island Wildfire Coordinating Group(BIWCG).Members include: • National Park Service • U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service • U.S.Army • Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources,Division of Forestry and Wildlife • Hawaii County Civil Defense • Hawaii Fire Department • Department of Transportation-Airports Division,Hawaii District • Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization • Firewise BIWCG was established to further inter-agency cooperation,communications and coordination, and to implement directions and standards for incident management activities. BIWCG coordinates the programs of the participating wildland fire agencies on the big island of Hawai'i and provides a forum for leadership,cooperation and the exchange of information". It also improves procedures to rapidly provide the most effective response to wildfires in the island.In coordination with Civil Defense,drought and other fire-hazard conditions are constantly monitored and actions such as burning bans and closures are instituted when needed.The public is informed of these restrictions by radio announcements and newspaper notices 2 The agencies represented in BIWCG have participated in the Ka`u CWPP as direct partners and/or as Board members of the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization. Evacuation Protocols and Needs Evacuation protocols for neighborhoods and areas in Ka`u have been determined for natural hazards such as tsunamis,and can be found in the documents listed above. However,fire safety zones for all neighborhoods and areas of Ka`u are yet to be determined,and are a priority action determined by the community as part of this CWPP process. Next Steps- Needs and Recommendations Priority next steps recommended by the involved agencies regarding wildfire are: • Increase fire fighting resources • Develop a Type III Team for multi-agency wildfire/fire management • Develop interagency training program • Implement an interagency Fire Danger Rating System 11 PLANNING PROCESS CWPP Process and Methods The process of developing a CWPP helps to clarify and refine priorities for the protection of life, property, and critical infrastructure in the Ka`u wildland-urban interface areas. Local residents, landowners, fire suppression agencies, and community leaders have participated in valuable discussions regarding wildfire history,resources at risk, areas of concern, and priority mitigation actions. The methods used to create this CWPP followed the guidelines established for the HFRA,which requires the following actions during the planning process: • Step 1- Convene Decision Makers • Step 2- Involve Federal Agencies • Step 3a-Involve State and Local Agencies • Step 3b-Engage Interested parties This CWPP also followed the guidelines and satisfies the requirements of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)Pre-Disaster Mitigation program and the National Fire Plan (NFP). Decision Makers The decision-makers for this Community Wildfire Protection Plan are represented in the following table: Requirement Agency or Organization Name Local Fire Chief Hawaii County Fire Department Darryl Oliveira Local/County Hawaii County Civil Defense Department Quince Mento Government State Forestry Agency Hawai`i Department of Land and Natural Paul Conry Resources,Division of Forestry and Wildlife Wayne Ching Federal Agencies The representatives of the federal agencies involved in managing the land and fires in the vicinity of the Ka`u area are: Agency Representative(s) National Park Service Joe Molhoek,Fire Management Officer US Army Eric Moller,USAG-HI,Deputy Fire Chief US Fish and Wildlife Service Dawn Greenlee,Fish and Wildlife Biologist State and Local Agencies The representatives of the state/local agencies that have jurisdictional responsibilities in the vicinity of the Ka`u areas are: 12 Agency Representative(s) Hawai`i County Fire Department Darryl Oliveira,Fire Chief Jerry Lum,Battalion Chief Mike Tomich,FEO Hawaii Department of Land and Wayne Ching,State Protection Forester Natural Resources,Division of Roger Imoto,Hawaii Island Forestry&Wildlife Manager Forestry and Wildlife Jay Hatayama,Protection Forester Interested Parties The parties from our community that have shown interest in forest/fire management and have been involved in this CWPP are: Interested Parties Affiliation (if any) Ka`u Community Development Hawaii County Plan Committee Large Landowners Local Associations and Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization,Big Island Wildfire Organizations Coordinating Group,Discovery Harbour Community Association Private Citizens,Public At Large Meetings were held with agency representatives,community members,and interested parties at: • Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization Office in Kamuela,Hawaii on September 3, 2009,October 1,2009,January 7,2010,February 4,2010,and March 4,2010. • Na'alehu Fire Station on February 19,2010. • Hawaii County Fire Department Dispatch Office in Hilo,Hawaii on February 23,2010. • Hawaii County Council Office,Councilman Guy Enriques,on February 23,2010 • County Planning Department Community Meeting Room on February 24,2010. • Na'alehu Community Center Clubhouse on March 10,2010. Valuable public input regarding community concerns and priority actions was acquired on the March 10,2010 meeting in Na'alehu. The - meeting was supported/facilitated by Hawaii County Councilman Guy Enriques,and attended by Community Development Plan 4r committee members,homeowner's association members,County Fire Chief Darryl Oliviera, local firefighters,and numerous area residents. Attendees of the meeting enthusiastically Above:Ka`u residents,Councilman Enriques,and supported the CWPP plan and its objectives, HWMO discuss the CWPP process and community noting that Ka`u residents are very concerned resources at risk. with local wildfire issues and eager to begin reducing the risk of wildfire. 13 Public Service announcements regarding wildfire risk and the CWPP were published in the West Hawaii Today newspaper,and on Hawaii 24/7 news website,and homeowner association websites.Public comments were accepted beginning February 4,2010. Outreach was also conducted through Hawaii County Planners and to community members included in the Community Development Plan process. HWMO is facilitating continued dialogue between residents and agencies regarding wildfire issues,and intends to posts the plan on its website for public use. 14 WILDFIRE RISK ASSESSMENT Purpose and Methods The purpose of the community risk assessment is to: 1. Provide site-specific information to the community to promote wildfire awareness; 2. Help identify and prioritize areas for treatment; and 3. Determine the highest priority uses for available financial and human resources. The methods for the community wildfire risk assessment followed the guidelines established for the HFRA,which requires the following actions: • Step 4-Establish a Community Base Map • Step 5a-Develop a Community Risk Assessment • Step 5b-Identify Overall Community Priorities The wildfire risk assessment follows the guidelines and requirements of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Pre-Disaster Mitigation program and the National Fire Plan (NFP). Community Base Map Using GIS technology and local expertise,HWMO developed a base map of the communities and adjacent landscapes of interest. The map is a visual aid from which community members and agencies identified values and resources at risk in the Ka`u Area. After considering the location of the inhabited areas, the critical human infrastructure, the areas of community importance, and the risk of wildfire, the community identified a wildland-urban interface (WUI) zone around community assets. The community and local agencies determined that shoreline areas and lands upslope from the major . t highway must be included in the CWPP boundaries. Both areas have access roads (multiple ignition points) and include older settlement areas,historical buildings, and irreplaceable natural and cultural l ° resources. Abundant fire fuels and heavy winds in OP the lowland coastal areas promote rapid spread of- $1 4 fires, quickly endangering historical sites, { recreational areas, grazing lands, homes, and community infrastructure. In higher elevation areas, stlEti Above:Firefighters and residents examine and the smoke from upland wildfires create safety discuss the Community Base Map. (visibility) and health hazards because the prevailing winds transport the smoke into the lower elevations and across the district. Wildfires in the higher elevations also create post-fire flooding and erosion conditions that threaten communities down slope. In many cases,fires up to 15 miles away from the main highway have put community resources at risk. See Community Base Map below for area resources and plan boundaries. 15 Pohakuloa \ \ 1 1 '. South Point CWPP 1�`\. _ ,KK�jBG-FFM IHilo) " i ‘ Keauhou ` t' \./\' i ,N 1111110 \\ / ulau c Hllo�' �j�ry�q� � S. !!1!V �_1HIIISQ11ua �_ _ Puukipu Nakawaa Honey Bee �. \ Puuhae \ ' ,Pukaualm f Kuiarli N. Kona /----,__,L,..-- ,, / �� / / V A Kanekii Pauahi Puuom Hawaii Cots' / ' / \ / / / / 1 Puukinikini //�1 ,>l f ////f / / f Kohalapilau 1949 Cone ,< \ ,,.-,e Puu Eyteele Keanapaakai ' ` `\ � Lua Hou ✓� Kaunene /../y//://Kifla• Alle \� �� ,' likm ., wr y -r---.- / Red Cone / / Hookena t / f/ % ///t'e,,, ` a ',\ \ , \ / r / Gala Lava Flow/ / / I J� ;101.7 Puupohakuloa/ / / / /�„. ,// " �1� �S.-,B0n18 /` / / �i� - / Kipykaafakaafala. \ »- /.. —Keo4ar5 Pa / /////// ,'// Kaafaala \ !. y .0„,, I Kaapuna /// :"' 1 \. fusotildjr l ' Hale maa wOWoodPapa , .n Keats / ight Camp'\ ? - ""`Kumu+ puu Moo Valley 1 Palimuku llau;,_ 1� Puu-Ohohia `�' - ) _ Pahala Ihuanu / � w Pueo fLKapua /f --Waiohinu' `..._ "I�� ` /� /� Kaalarki 1(aupo Bay 'nopu r ` }oa - �.—.� �/ � ! Hanoi `l / i , Waiaele Gulch Ninole tiahull Akih1 o N » a ewa _ Kapuo Haiian Ranchos kahuenaha �' waHonuapo •~"O +' -,Keauh u\``-_t I Fre Stations ^+.� Kiao ae° Napuua PaleT. I Na'alehu 8aikaquna Bay Elevation Contours Puu Ki PakinirNul ---- 700 Ft 1 Kii - 2000 Ft Kakio i ^ .'"� `\ w" Ocean View C'.VPP Pablo (.r It \ Pae 1.1101111111 •'So Point=PP \ — Major Roads Ocean View \ Federal Lando j 81_ForestReserves I uio-' "'Halil istnct Boundanes —�l,, Y��ri A-eaa Kalae i Ka Lae Waiohinu Data Sources County of Hawaii HFD. 0 25 5 10 15 20 Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization State Dept.of Forestry&Wildlife MilesC}Pa ed by n Srn.tb C(1 Orr 20i1A tea NPS Hawaii Volcanoes Nat'nl Park for The Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization Fringing CH It the Cc,nmunith: Figure 3.Community Base Map. 16 Community Risk Assessment As designated on the map above, the following table lists the community assets, resources, and values at risk. With fire fighting agencies and landowners,HWMO assessed these resources for relative risk of wildfire and assigned a hazard ranking of low (LOW),moderate (MOD),or High (HIGH) for the following categories: • Fuel Hazards — An evaluation of vegetation conditions within the community and on adjacent lands. • Risk of Wildfire Occurrence — An evaluation of the probability of fire ignition within the community and surrounding lands, based on fuels, weather, topography, likelihood of ignition. • Structural Ignitability- An evaluation of the vulnerability of structures within the community to ignition from firebrands,radiation,and convection. The fourth category,Local Preparedness and Fire Suppression Capacity, describes the capacity of fire suppression resources, proximity to water resources, accessibility and proximity to adequate roads, defensible space, etc. Capacity is assigned a ranking of poor (POOR),moderate (MoD), or excellent (EXCELLENT). The ranking for capacity is inversely proportional to hazard, e.g.poor preparedness and suppression capacity creates a high hazard. RANKED BY RANKED BY HAZARD CAPACITY (POOR CAPACITY= HIGH HAZARD) Community Resource or Fuel Risk of Structural Preparedness OVERALL Structure and Associated Hazard Wildfire Ignitability &Suppression RISK Values at Risk Occurrence Capacity Kapapala * MOD-HIGH HIGH POOR MOD- (no water) HIGH Wood Valley,Pahala * MOD HIGH MOD MOD Pahala to Honu'apo : Sea level to HIGH HIGH HIGH MOD HIGH approx 500 ft elevation(including (strong Sea Mountain and nearby prevailing neighborhoods) tradewinds) Pahala to Na'alehu(including MOD- HIGH HIGH MOD MOD- Cane Haul Road): 500 ft elevation HIGH (history of HIGH to mauka boundary of State forest frequent fires reserve on Cane Haul Road) Agricultural grazing lands and HIGH MOD-HIGH HIGH MOD MOD- associated cultural,economic,and HIGH scenic values Na'alehu-Waiohinu(Na'alehu, HIGH HIGH HIGH POOR-MOD HIGH Waiohinu,Mark Twain Estates, Discovery Harbor) South Point,Ka'alu'alu HIGH HIGH MOD-HIGH POOR MOD- (including South Point Rd) (no water) HIGH Businesses in Pahala and LOW LOW-MOD MOD MOD- MOD associated economic,scenic,and EXCELLENT historical values 17 RANKED BY RANKED BY .,„ve., HAZARDCAPACITY (POOR CAPACITY= HIGH HAZARD) Community Resource or Fuel Risk of Structural PreparednessOVERALL Structure and Associated Hazard Wildfire Ignitability & Suppression RISK Values at Risk Occurrence Capacity Businesses in Na'alehu and MOD- MOD MOD-HIGH MOD MOD- associated economic,scenic,and HIGH* HIGH historical values Historical and cultural sites LOW- LOW MOD POOR MOD throughout Ka`u and associated MOD cultural and scenic values (Honu'apo ,South Point, Punalu'u,Kawa,Green Sands Farms-Coffee,Mac Nuts,etc. LOW LOW MOD POOR-MOD LOW- and associated cultural,economic, (no water,limited MOD and scenic values access) Mauka forested lands,parks,and LOW- LOW-MOD LOW-MOD POOR MOD reserves,and associated cultural, MOD* (few (no water,limited scenic,recreational,and structures) access,difficult environmental values terrain) Coastal parks and recreational LOW- MOD LOW-MOD POOR MOD areas:Honu`apo Bay,Waiokini, MOD* (few (no water,limited Kahuku Beach,Punalu'u,Kawa, structures) access,difficult terrain) and associated cultural,scenic, recreational,and environmental values Coastal parks and recreational MOD- HIGH MOD POOR MOD areas: Ka'alu'alu,Green Sands HIGH* (few (no water,limited HIGH Beach,South Point,and structures) access,difficult terrain) associated cultural,scenic, recreational,and environmental values Schools: Pahala LOW- LOW-MOD MOD-HIGH MOD- LOW”- MOD EXCELLENT MOD Schools: Na'alehu MOD- MOD HIGH MOD- MOD- HIGH* EXCELLENT HIGH Pahala Hospital LOW LOW-MOD LOW-MOD MOD- LOWW- EXCELLENT MOD * Fuels and risk for these areas/resources are dependent on 1) the season, and 2) fuels management practices, i.e. grazing, mechanical/chemical treatments, etc. Fuels and risk are Low-MOD if fuels are properly managed and it is a wet year; fuels and risk are HIGH if fuels are not managed and it is a dry year. Communities at Risk From Wildfires The community risk assessment determined certain areas of Ka`u to share similar environmental conditions, land use characteristics, fuel types, hazards, and general wildfire issues. These distinct areas are: • Kapapala-Wood Valley-Pahala 18 • Honu'apo to Pahala o Sea level to approx 500 ft elevation(including Sea Mountain and nearby neighborhoods) • Pahala to Na'alehu o Includes Cane Haul Road.Approximately 500 ft elevation to mauka boundary of State Forest Reserve areas • Na'alehu-Waiohinu o Na'alehu,Waiohinu,Mark Twain Estates,Discovery Harbor • South Point to Ka'alu'alu o Including all of South Point Road This delineation builds on the Communities at Risk from Wildfires,Island of Hawaii assessment, mapped in 2005 by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources,Division of Forestry and Wildlife,below. Community priorities are based on the updated hazard rankings and overall risk assessment(table above)and fire history (Figure 2). „AW, COMMUNITIES AT RISK •r MVO FROM WILDFIRES ' w ""'w' °F' EMIEMB Island of Hawaii KOHALA RANCH \ r"(P;.:, HONOKAA KOHALA ESTATES 110\ ".e,S, p.m� ♦, • AHUALOA qiq' ~ ':,,o•. L�EHOE 132=111111— �J KAWAIHAE ROAD PAAUILO sawn ,...1/.1(•I I SUBDIVISIONS -^,.a. =EMI IM2iMIZIMI— l .. A WAIKOLOA VILLAGE �i WAIKOLOA��r ---ZONE ., ZONE I , HUALALAllKUKK) ".EgalrommEi it 4:,.., i 40 —MOM RESORTS �' ZON?° '`, iiEME ... .. , . ; /JAI F x rWAINAKU/KAIWDO I t /H\I.I POHAKU� \ 1 PUU WMWM / ...us _EMI L.....2a \KI I 0 (:rOir wwsw - •KURTISfOW✓H HOL JUALOA IPARADISE PARK MUUK I AI\\II N'.. MAKUU ONE 2 _.-1 HAWAIIx BEACHES' Kau lik Iv,:w;:.:It r/ ZONE 4 GLENwooO /p.. — I.,I:,,rilr �� M"'"." EZEUAINALOA ...- �M :� Irm Maxi cum• , rx \ • � � LEILANI ESTATES ISSIGME3ZONE 3 VOLCANO H;•t� . wrar.s I VIII AGF. i� -----11E-NA \\ BLACKSANDS SUBDIVISIONS HONAUNAU/PAPA� �+ �`,KAPAPAh\� `~�OPIHIKAU/POHO� MILOLD1 ia,' i.E.Noah, MOI 11 ll::�� ii4411 MOLAKAAk TUMNI — Fire Risk Community Zoning Community and Risk Rating HONOMALINO • High . ilk ✓ `� O Medium HAWAIIAN OCEAN OLow VIEW ESTATES NAALEHU N10.4 DISCOVERY HARBORI W �� &e RANCHO ESTATES ,,a _ ���� ti ��y11 -SOUTH POINTI uwpa. -�.mx<�,O.. MC Figure 4.Communities at Risk from Wildfires,Island of Hawaii.DLNR DOFAW 2005. 19 Overall Community Priorities Community value and cultural value were determined for each community resource,structure,or value at risk. The following table demonstrates the value of each resource to the community,and its priority level for mitigation/protection based on its value and overall risk of wildfire. Community Resource,Structure,or Overall Risk Community Cultural Overall Value at Risk (from above) Value Value Priority Kapapala MOD-HIGH MOD-HIGH MOD-HIGH MOD-HIGH Wood Valley,Pahala MOD MOD-HIGH MOD-HIGH MOD-HIGH Pahala to Honu'apo : Sea level to approx HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH 500 ft elevation(including Sea Mountain and nearby neighborhoods) Pahala to Na'alehu(including Cane Haul MOD-HIGH MOD-HIGH MOD-HIGH HIGH Road): 500 ft elevation to makai boundary of State forest reserve Agricultural grazing lands and associated MOD-HIGH MOD MOD MOD cultural,economic,and scenic values Ka'u Na'alehu-Waiohinu (Na'alehu, HIGH HIGH MOD-HIGH HIGH Waiohinu,Mark Twain Estates, Discovery Harbor) South Point,Ka'alu'alu (including all of MOD-HIGH MOD-HIGH HIGH HIGH South Point Road) Businesses in Pahala MOD HIGH HIGH HIGH Businesses in Na'alehu MOD-HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH Historical and cultural sites throughout MOD HIGH HIGH HIGH Ka`u(Honu'apo ,South Point,Punalu'u, Kawa,Green Sands Farms-Coffee,Mac Nuts,etc. LOW-MOD MOD-HIGH MOD-HIGH HIGH Mauka forested lands,parks,and reserves MOD HIGH HIGH HIGH Coastal parks and recreational areas: MOD HIGH HIGH HIGH Honu'apo Bay,Waiokini,Kahuku Beach, Punalu'u,Kawa Coastal parks and recreational areas: MOD-HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH Ka'alu'alu,Green Sands Beach,South Point Pahala Schools and Hospital LOW-MOD HIGH HIGH HIGH Na'alehu Schools MOD-HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH 20 Community Concerns In addition to prioritizing resources to protect,community and agency representatives developed a list of concerns regarding wildfire issues. They are listed below in order of priority; 1. Insufficient water infrastructure to adequately and quickly suppress wildfires,including dip tanks. 2. Inadequate fire suppression and support resources,such as rapid and on-site mapping capabilities and GPS technologies,vehicles,water tankers. 3. Regional and local planning and development standards that do not currently require community and subdivision designs to consider and/or mitigate fire risk: a. Landscaping and structural designs,materials,and placement often promote (or do not mitigate) fire risk; and b. Roads and highways are not always constructed with wide shoulders,fire lanes, emergency ingress/egress,or fuel mitigation in mind. 4. Fuel loading along roadsides,in community open areas,around and between individual homes and farms: a. Fuels breaks or areas of fuel reduction are desired around communities where possible and appropriate; b. Fuel reduction along roadsides,around houses and business,on large private property parcels,and in vacant lots is needed; and c. Need to develop and/or enforce community provisions that require fire fuels reduction on developed/undeveloped properties and by permanent/absentee landowners. 5. Lack of public awareness of the wildfire threat,to include lack of appropriate awareness by elected officials,planning agencies,large land owners,land managers,scientists,and homeowners (especially absentee owners)regarding: a. Fire history and fire hazards; b. Fire-mitigating landscaping techniques; c. Importance of mitigation; d. Fuels management tools and methods; and e. Common human-caused fire starts,such as roadside ignitions,fireworks,catalytic converters,greenwaste dumping,and arsonists. 6. Need to increase/integrate communication (protocols,equipment,pre- and post-fire planning)between state,federal,and county agencies,particularly to maximize initial attack capabilities and to utilize specialized wildland expertise and training for wildfire situations. 7. Need to reduce and/or control invasive species that possess inherent fire or ignition properties,e.g.ignite easily and/or carry fire easily. 8. Arson--It is not well known whether there is amnesty for reporting,nor what civil liabilities and penalties exist for arsonists. 9. Lack of emergency access staging areas and safety zones/areas within subdivisions for evacuation purposes. 10.Inadequate community egress and firefighting vehicle ingress during a wildfire a. Need to identify evacuation routes/roads within subdivisions; and b. Need to educate community about evacuation protocols. 21 • HAZARD REDUCTION PRIORITIES Purpose and Methods Priority action items have been developed from a number of sources,including input from community and agency participants in the planning process,noted deficiencies in local firefighting capabilities,and issues identified through the risk assessment.These actions address the following goals: 1. Enhance wildfire response capabilities. 2. Reduce risk and hazards through pro-active wildfire mitigation,including: • Increasing stakeholder knowledge about wildfire risk through education and outreach; • Encouraging the treatment of structural ignitability; • Prioritizing fuel reduction projects; and • Increasing opportunities for collaboration and coordination to implement wildfire mitigation projects. 3. Address the list of community concerns. These priority action items follow the guidelines for HFRA,which requires: • Step 6a- Community Hazard Reduction Priorities o Priority Actions (General) o Hazardous Fuels Reduction • Step 6b-Recommendations to Reduce Structural Ignitability Priority Actions for Ka`u Action items addressing wildfire issues are listed below,in order of priority: 1. Install pre-staged static water and helicopter dip tanks. 2. Acquire adequate resources for first responders: a. Appropriate technology resources for mapping at each fire station and on- location; and b. Water tanker/tenders (minimum 2000 gallon tanker/tender with high wheel base for off-highway capabilities). 3. Wise development in fire prone areas. Create development standards and implement community planning that requires the mitigation of wildfire risks at the regional, community/subdivision,roads/highways,and individual structure levels. 4. Reduce fuel load and/or appropriately convert fuels along road sides,in community open areas,around individual homes: a. Appropriate conversion would include transition to vegetation with low ignition potential and low ability to carry fire,especially native plants. This can be accomplished through installing/establishing living fuel breaks. b. Reduce fuels through well-managed grazing,mechanical reduction,herbicide,or combinations of all treatments. c. Encourage/educate large landowners to reduce fuels on private property. d. Identify opportunities to assist vulnerable populations (elderly,disabled)in creating defensible space around homes and property. 22 e. Develop and or enforce fuels mitigation requirements within communities (to include developed and vacant lots,permanent resident and absentee landowners). 5. Continue fire prevention education and outreach,including arson prevention education: a: Hold community workshops; b. Implement the fire danger rating system; c. Provide individual home and neighborhood assessments; d. Increase public service announcements during high fire hazard periods; and e. Develop wildland fire materials for youth and implement educational programs in local schools. 6. Increase communication capabilities between state,federal,and county agencies, particularly to maximize initial attack capabilities in wildfire events: a. Integrate current and future communication equipment utilized by federal,state, and county fire suppression personnel to increase effective firefighting response. b. Develop protocols for multi-agency involvement to utilize available specialized wildland fire expertise and equipment/resources. 7. Reduce and/or control invasive species that increase fire risk and,where appropriate, convert to vegetation as described in priority number three. 8. Advocate for increased penalties for arson and some level of amnesty for reporting fire. 9. Develop emergency staging areas and safety zones within communities and promote awareness of such areas within the community,including holding mock disaster drills. 10.Create/improve secondary access roads for those communities with only one means of ingress/egress; identify evacuation routes within subdivisions,especially in neighborhoods where secondary access roads are not available. Hazardous Fuels Reduction A CWPP must identify and prioritize areas for hazardous fuel reduction treatments and recommend the types and methods of treatment that will protect one or more at-risk communities and essential infrastructure. Based on the fuel hazard ratings acquired during the hazard assessment,recommendations for the type and method of vegetative fuels reduction treatments for high fuel hazard areas are listed in this table. Community Resource, Fuel Hazard Type of Method of Treatment Structure,or Value at Risk Rating Treatment Agricultural grazing lands H IGH Mechanical Continue well managed grazing IF UNMANAGED Mauka forested lands,parks, HIGH Mechanical, Continue well managed grazing, and reserves IF UNMANAGED hand labor, weed whip,mow,hand-pull,and chemical herbicide where appropriate. Conduct post-fire restoration as appropriate. Homes and structures at HIGH Mechanical, Continue properly managed higher elevation areas hand labor, grazing,weed whip,mow,hand- chemical,fuels pull,and herbicide where conversion appropriate.Convert fuels to landscaping with drought-tolerant, fire-resistant plants. 23 Community Resource, Fuel Hazard Type of Method of Treatment Structure,or Value at Risk Rating Treatment Homes and structures at MOD—HIGH Mechanical, Weed whip,mow,hand-pull,and lower-mid elevation areas hand labor, herbicide where appropriate. chemical,fuels Convert fuels to drought-tolerant, conversion fire-resistant plants. Historical sites throughout MOD—HIGH Mechanical, Weed whip,mow,hand-pull,and Ka`u hand labor, herbicide where appropriate. chemical,fuels Convert fuels to drought-tolerant, conversion fire-resistant plants. Roadsides MOD—HIGH Mechanical, Continue roadside treatment: IF UNMANAGED hand labor, mowing,herbicide spray,and weed chemical whip. Where appropriate convert fuels to fire-resistant plants that require little or no maintenance. The following photos provide examples of fuel hazards in the Ka`u WUI areas. ','f , ,'. .' '�`; 1 Unmanaged fuels, such as tall dry grasses, K ,,.* *r ! along roadsides (left and below left) are ,.$.,:, it r^ _ ,� > _ C1,: � k > ., , , increase the likelihood of wildfires caused ' ', '" , t' ,� .I , I i� d' ' •l by roadside ignition. s'.:-• - I si t }' �q .6it � 0, , Evidence of fire is found along roadsides " " ''" �,,. �` f. throughout the district. Photo below shows - , roadside grasses and a Eucalyptus grove �zw '" ' . ` that burned near Pahala. . r. !. f 1".. - 4 ,. 5 9 _ * .r`, =' a ,.d.�/I!2.: ?!rq C,:,,,-.% # V 1,1 , 1,i ,,, ;yam ,'"' , ,. .. i;,, 1 , i t, ,! y -.. :Rr" , " • ri `aye; ;` i. +" , • , , ; -, , It. Ij# ' } it:s Sys l 4 yj'}j'$, . y-t , £: a' 4^'4. , 4 ' a, 24 1. r -.may ,, I ^ If , F ft x f Numerous areas in Ka`u hotos). Well- have abundant hazardous fire fuels (all p managed grazing and other fuels management practices (mechanical/chemical/combination) reduce Sporadic or no fuels management creates high risk. , . pit y�r i � . Unmanaged grasses (above left) are found along roads in areas with little to no grazing, including neighborhoods. At times, these fuels can reach 8-12 feet, posing considerable risk of roadside ignition. Note the differences in fuel in above right photo: pasture in foreground has active grazing; areas in background are not currently grazed and are at a higher risk of wildfire occurrence. 25 Reducing Structural Ignitability A CWPP must recommend measures that homeowners and communities can take to reduce the ignitability of structures. Individuals and community associations can reduce structural ignitability throughout their community by taking the following measures recommended by the Firewise program as outlined below. However,due to the abundance of native vegetation,it is highly recommended that individuals and communities conduct a simple native vegetation assessment and/or consult with appropriate biologists or foresters before clearing trees and significant amounts of vegetation that may be important to protect. • Create a buffer zone of defensible space around a property of at least 30 feet or to the property line if the house has less than 30 feet of yard.Remove flammable vegetation and combustible growth within 30 feet of the house. Where there is native habitat,please consult with a biologist or forester first. • Prune tree limbs 6— 10 feet above the ground. • Space trees and shrubs ten feet apart in the yard. • Make sure that plants closest to the house are low-lying. • Whenever possible use fire-resistant Native Hawaiian species. Succulent plants are also good choices for converting fire fuels into Firewise landscaping. • Routinely remove dead leaves and other organic matter from the yard. • Sweep and/or clean gutters,eaves,and roofs regularly to prevent the build-up of leaves and other matter. • Use fire-resistant building materials for the roof, siding,and decks,such as metal,stucco, tile,brick,and cement. • Install firebrand-proof ceiling vents to prevent structure fires caused by wind-blown firebrands. 26 ACTION PLAN The Ka`u CWPP Action Plan follows the guidelines for HFRA: • Step 7a-Develop and Action Plan • Step 7b-Develop an Implementation and Maintenance(Assessment) Strategy • Step 8-Finalize Plan Ka`u CWPP Action Plan The Ka`u CWPP Action Plan was developed through an analysis of the issues identified in the risk assessment,community and agency meetings,and through a review of other Community Wildfire Protection Plans. Federal,State,and County agencies,and private landowners were invited to submit projects that provide protection and reduce risk. The community concerns and action items listed above served as the basis for the projects listed below that will guide hazard reduction efforts in the future. Landowners and agencies are invited to continue to submit projects that provide community protection and mitigate wildfire risk. HWMO and the Big Island Wildfire Coordinating Group intend to meet annually to evaluate progress on projects and mutually agree on treatment priorities. Additional projects will be displayed as appendices in updated versions of this plan. The following table lists initial projects suggested to address community hazard reduction priorities. Project Agency Funding Needs Time- Community table Recommended Install pre-staged static water Multiple Agencies: Cooperative 2011- Yes and helicopter dip tanks federal,state, Funding$828,000 2013 county,and private Reduce and/or convert fuel Multiple Agencies: Cooperative 2010- Yes load along roadsides, county Funding$850,000 2014 community open areas,and individual homes and lots Create development standards Multiple Agencies: Cooperative Yes and conduct community county and state Funding$150,000 planning that requires the for outreach,any mitigation of wildfire risks needed impact studies and education Increase mapping Multiple Agencies: Cooperative 2010- Yes technologies and capabilities federal,state, funding: $100,000 2013 for fire agencies county,and private Install street signage Multiple Agencies: Cooperative 2010 - Yes identifying evacuation routes federal,state, Funding $50,000 2014 county,and private 27 Project Agency Funding Needs Time- Community table Recommended Develop emergency staging Multiple agencies: Cooperative 2010 - Yes areas within communities, private Funding 2012 promoting awareness of such $33,000 for areas within the community, planning and including holding mock outreach disaster drills Reduce,control,and or Multiple Agencies: Cooperative 2008 - Yes convert invasive species federal,state, Funding 2012 county,and private $1,500,000 includes maintenance, grazing,and conversion projects Continue fire prevention Multiple agencies: Cooperative 2010 - Yes education and outreach, federal,state, Funding $30,000 2014 including arson prevention county,and private education Increase effective integrated Multiple agencies Cooperative 2010- Yes communication and initial Funding $150,000 2014 attack protocol between federal,state,and county fire suppression agencies Plan Implementation and Maintenance The Healthy Forest Restoration Act(HFRA)requires that the Hawai`i County Fire Department, the Hawai`i County Civil Defense Department,and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources all agree on the final contents of the Ka`u CWPP. The plan is signed by each agency in order to meet HFRA and FEMA requirements.Because of the non-regulatory nature of the CWPP,the relevance and effectiveness of the Ka`u CWPP will rely heavily upon community initiative and involvement. Expertise,technical support,and implementation assistance will be provided by the appropriate agencies and organizations involved in fire issues in the Ka`u Area. Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization,in cooperation with the Big Island Wildfire Coordinating Group,will provide technical support,identify and coordinate funding,and serve as a centralized resource for wildfire risk reduction efforts in Ka`u. Together,representatives will prioritize and recommend funding for projects,document the successes and lessons learned from those projects,and evaluate and update the CWPP as needed. Many Ka`u CWPP action items will require continuing support for wildfire risk mitigation projects.This will involve actively pursuing funding for projects,staying informed and in contact with one another,and updating the CWPP regularly so that it remains a"living" document. Continuing to build community awareness of these issues and actions will assist with fostering individual and community investment in projects. 28 Finalize Plan The following County, State, and Federal representatives have a high level of interest in the protection of the Ka`u area from wildfire, and have reviewed and support this CWPP. Contact information for principal government stakeholders is listed below. Federal: Pohakuloa Training Area (U.S.Army) , Eric Moller,Deputy Fire Chief """ USAG-DES,FES Box 4607,Hilo,HI 96720 (808)969-2447/2448 eric.moller@us.army.mil Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Joe Molhoek,Pacific Island Fire Mgmt.Officer fir PO Box 52,HNP,HI 96718 (808) 985-6042 Joe Molhoek@nps.gov State: Department of Land and Natural Resources: Division of Forestry and Wildlife � Wayne F.Ching,State Protection Forester y 1151 Punchbowl St.,Room 325,Honolulu,HI 96813 (808) 587-4173 HAwa1+ Wayne.F.Ching @hawaii.gov Conn -1 R Hawaii Fire Department ;{, i ii `. Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira 25 Aupuni St.,Hilo,HI 96720 (808) 981-8394 Hcfdfl@co.hawaii.hi.us County: Hawaii County Civil Defense Quince Mento,Civil Defense Administrator 920 Ululani St.,Hilo,HI 96720 (808) 961-8229 gmento@ co.hawaii.hi.us The Signature Page presented at the beginning of this document demonstrates the required multi- agency participation and acknowledgement of this plan. 29 REFERENCES 1 Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003—HR 1904.US Federal Register. http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi- bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=108_cong_bills&docid=f:h 1904enr.txt.pdf 2 Community Planning and Hazard Risk: The Kau Community Development Plan. Presentation by Ron Whitmore,Planning Department,County of Hawaii. http://resilientcommunitieshawaii.org/presentations/02%20Molokai%20Climate%20Change%20 Adaptation/Whitmore/Community%20Planning%20and%20Hazard%20Risk%20The%20Kau% 20Community%20Development%20Plan.pdf 3 Ka`u Community Development Plan. Coastal Resources,Infrastructure and Public Facilities, Land Use,Physical Environment: http://www.hcrc.inf o/community-planning/kau-cdp/about-ka-u/ka-u-community-profile/draft- community-profile-pre-charrette/ 4 Ka'u Hawaii.Everything Ka'u.http://hawaii-kau.com 5 Ka`u to South Kona Water Master Plan,2004 http://www.co.hawaii.hi.us/info/projectsarchive/k2skwmp/finalrpt/WMPFinal_Sept2004.pdf 6 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan,2003 http://co.hawaii.hi.us/cd/mmp/main.html Adapted from Linn County Community Wildfire Protection Plan,ECONorwest, September,2007 https://scholarsbank.uoregon.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1794/5795/Linn_County_Wildfire_Pla n.pdf?sequence=1 8 County of Hawaii Drought Mitigation Strategies,2004 http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/drought/preparedness/HawaiiDroughtMitigationStrategies.pdf 9 State Drought Plan and the County Drought Mitigation Strategies http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/drought/preparedness.htm 10 State of Hawaii Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan,2007 http://www.scd.state.hi.us/HazMitPlan/executive_summary.pdf 11 Big Island Wildfire Coordinating Group http://www.state.hi.us/d1nr/dofaw/fmp/biwcg_charter.htm#Duties 30 Addendum 1 Ka'u Community Wildfire Protection Plan January 2015 Update Coordinated and developed by: Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Hawaii's communities and natural resources from wildfire. Updated in partnership with Hawaii County Civil Defense,Hawaii Fire Department,State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife Written by: Elizabeth Pickett and Ilene Grossman Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization ©2015 Funded by: The Cooperative Fire Program of the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Pacific Southwest Region. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326 W. Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250- 9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 3 CWPP Update Overview 4 Ka`u Wildfire Ignitions Map 5 Wildfire Hazard Assessment Maps And Ratings 18 Community Concerns And Recommendations 21 Community Resources Map 22 Recommended Next Steps 23 Plan Implementation and Maintenance List of Figures Figure 1. Wildfire Ignitions Map Figure 2. Subdivision Hazard Total Map Figure 3. Vegetation Hazard Total Map Figure 4. Building Hazard Total Map Figure 5. Fire Environment Hazard Total Map Figure 6. Fire Protection Hazard Total Map Figure 7. Percentage Of Concerns/Recommendations In Each Cohesive Strategy Figure 8. Frequency Of Subject Listed As Concern/Action Item Figure 9. High Value Resources Map List of Tables Table 1. Subdivision Hazards Table 2. Vegetation Hazards Table 3. Building Hazards Table 4. Fire Environment Hazards Table 5. Fire Protection Hazards Table 6. Public Input—Improve Wildfire Response Cohesive Strategy Table 7. Public Input—Fire Adapted Communities Cohesive Strategy Table 8. Public Input—Restore And Maintain Landscapes Cohesive Strategy Table 9. Agency Input Table 10. Next Steps:Immediate Projects Table 11. Original Ka`u Projects List 2010 List of Photos Cover photo. Ka`u Rural Road. Source:HWMO Photo 2. Ka`u High Fuels. Source:HWMO Photos 3 & 4. Ka`u participants work in small groups to identify wildfire concerns and prioritize recommendations.Source:HWMO Photo 5. Ka`u participants select areas and resources of high value on the community base map. Source:HWMO 2 CWPP Update Overview January 18,2015 At the time of this update,there are currently five CWPPs for Hawaii Island including:Volcano,Ka`u,Ocean View,South Kona and NW Hawaii Island. Although there is no requirement to update the CWPPs,Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) staff and technical advisors determined an update would be an important tool to revitalize community engagement and action in wildfire protection and hazard reduction activities. In addition,the community input and action projects needed to be updated. Wildfire hazard is predicted to increase with high vegetation and continued drought. Within the last two years,HWMO conducted a statewide wildfire hazard assessment and developed a statewide wildfire history map that shows wildfire ignitions on each island between 2002-2011. The resulting maps and assessments for the Ka`u CWPP planning area are included are included in this addendum. Community input is critical to making the plan a living document that can be used as a resource to help guide community associations, fire agencies,landowners,and natural resource agencies towards meeting their fire protection goals. The Ka`u CWPP Update process provided an opportunity for residents and agency personnel to discuss wildfire concerns and brainstorm solutions together during four community meetings. • 3 Ka`u Wildfire Ignitions Map The map below displays results from an HWMO-led effort to compile wildfire records from all fire suppression agencies across the state,which resulted in a quality-controlled wildfire database and region- specific wildfire incident maps. The Ka`u Wildfire Ignitions Map (Figure 1 below)includes data from the following agencies between 2002-2012: Hawaii County Fire Department,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR-DOFAW). Statewide, 1,854 wildfire ignitions were mapped out of a total of 2,707 total fire records. Unmapped fires are a result of unavailable or ambiguous fire location information firefighting records. It is important to note that the map below displays ignition points,and does not indicate the size of wildfires or the final perimeters of burned areas. Ignitions are important for understanding trends and patterns of fires. From the map below it is clear that WUI,roadside, and human access area fire starts are important trends across the Ka`u region,as well as undeveloped areas with dense unmanaged fire prone vegetation. Wildfire Ignitions Hawaii Island CWPP:Ka'u *1 } a Kapapala * yy Wood Valey 4 i ii vi I y 24 PahrthW lPuna u 4 it s, 310V E Rancho Eultates Waiohinu .N `, Q KauCWPP2015 u ;v Harbor Major Roads y + a Wildfire Ignitions South Point . ai N e Map Scale 1 : 270,000 1 I WMO r 0 2 4 8 12 16 20 7...................�, AMMONOMMr:- aSNI _ _ Mmes Figure 1. Wildfire Ignitions Map. Yellow defined areas represent the developed subdivisions within the larger planning boundaries. 4 Wildfire Hazard Assessment Maps and Ratings In 2011-2013,HWMO staff assessed subdivisions across the state to rate wildfire hazards within the following categories:Vegetation,Building,Subdivision,Fire Environment and Fire Protection. Each of those categories is comprised of several contributing factors,all of which were assessed and ranked with a rating of high,moderate,or low hazard,depending on their characteristics. The categories and specific hazard ratings assigned to the subdivision areas with the Ka`u CWPP planning area are below: Subdivision Hazard Ratings Subdivision Hazard Total Hawaii Island CWPP:Kau QKauCWPP2015 Volcano -Maim Roads { awaV Kapapala .t1. Wood Vau.y - i Palma* P1MIialYY HOVE j Subdivision Hazard ViK�A?L 7 i Rancho Eatat Diacovary Harbor South Paint o MODERAtE N Map Scale '. =LOW : 270,000 tbuanMoar rta�wv., HWMO": 0 2 4 8 12 16 20 Mlles Figure 2.Subdivision Hazard Total Map Kali Subdivision Hazards Specific Subdivision Hazard Rating Hazard Ingress/ Kapapala High-Narrow,dead end roads or 1 way in, 1 way out.Steep grades Egress Wood Valley Moderate-Limited access routes.2 ways in and 2 ways out.Moderate grades. Pahala Low-Multiple entrances and exits are well equipped for fire trucks with turnarounds. Punalu'u Moderate-Limited access routes.2 ways in and 2 ways out.Moderate grades. Naalehu Moderate-Limited access routes.2 ways in and 2 ways out.Moderate grades. Discovery Moderate-Limited access routes.2 ways in and 2 ways out.Moderate grades. Harbor Waiohinu Moderate-Limited access routes.2 ways in and 2 ways out.Moderate grades. 5 South Point Moderate-Limited access routes.2 ways in and 2 ways out.Moderate grades. Road Kapapala Moderate-Roads maintained.Some narrow two lane roads with no shoulders. Maintenance Wood Valley Low-Wide loop roads that are maintained,paved or solid surface with shoulders. Pahala Low-Wide loop roads that are maintained,paved or solid surface with shoulders. Punalu'u Moderate-Roads maintained.Some narrow two lane roads with no shoulders. Naalehu Low-Wide loop roads that are maintained,paved or solid surface with shoulders. Discovery Moderate-Roads maintained.Some narrow two lane roads with no shoulders. Harbor Waiohinu Low-Wide loop roads that are maintained,paved or solid surface with shoulders. South Point Moderate-Roads maintained.Some narrow two lane roads with no shoulders. Road Width Moderate-20'-24'wide. Medium width roads with drivable shoulders and good visibility,support evacuation and Kapapala emergency response time. Moderate-20'-24'wide. Medium width roads with drivable shoulders and good visibility,support evacuation and Wood Valley emergency response time. Low-24'+wide. Wide roads with drivable shoulders and good visibility allow two-way traffic. Streets in the downtown area are the widest streets in town. Interior streets are smaller and are Pahala easily blocked by parked vehicles. Moderate-20'-24'wide. Medium width roads with drivable shoulders and good visibility,support evacuation and Punaluu emergency response time. Moderate-20'-24'wide. Medium width roads with drivable shoulders and good visibility,support evacuation and Naalehu emergency response time. Low-24'+wide. Wide roads with drivable shoulders and good visibility allow two-way traffic. Streets in Discovery the downtown area are the widest streets in town. Interior streets are smaller and are Harbor easily blocked by parked vehicles. Moderate-20'-24'wide. Medium width roads with drivable shoulders and good visibility,support evacuation and Waiohinu emergency response time. High-Narrow roads coupled with poor visibility limit evacuation and emergency South Point response. Traffic problems will occur. Entrapment is likely. All-season High-Narrow,steep,or non-surfaced roads are difficult to access.One-way traffic is a Road hazard.Overhanging brush may damage fire equipment. Jeep trails and seasonal roads Condition Kapapala limit 2wd emergency response equipment. Low-Flat or gently sloping surfaced roads can support high volumes of large fire Wood Valley equipment. Low-Flat or gently sloping surfaced roads can support high volumes of large fire Pahala equipment. Low-Flat or gently sloping surfaced roads can support high volumes of large fire Punaluu equipment. Low-Flat or gently sloping surfaced roads can support high volumes of large fire Naalehu equipment. Moderate-Surfaced road with 5%+grade or non-surfaced road with<5%grade that Discovery can still support fire equipment. Road and right-of-way maintenances is essential for Harbor access and visibility. Low-Flat or gently sloping surfaced roads can support high volumes of large fire Waiohinu equipment. Moderate-Surfaced road with 5%+grade or non-surfaced road with<5%grade that can still support fire equipment. Road and right-of-way maintenances is essential for South Point access and visibility. Fire Service Moderate-<300'with no turnaround.Short or dead-end streets will become crowded Access Kapapala with homeowner's vehicles. Wood Valley Low-Adequate turnaround space is available for large fire equipment. Pahala Low-Adequate turnaround space is available for large fire equipment. Punaluu Moderate-<300'with no turnaround.Short or dead-end streets will become crowded 6 with homeowner's vehicles. Moderate-<300'with no turnaround.Short or dead-end streets will become crowded Naalehu with homeowner's vehicles. Discovery Moderate-<300'with no turnaround.Short or dead-end streets will become crowded Harbor with homeowner's vehicles. Moderate-<300'with no turnaround. Waiohinu Short or dead-end streets will become crowded with homeowner's vehicles. Moderate-<300'with no turnaround. South Point Short or dead-end streets will become crowded with homeowner's vehicles. Street signs Kapapala High-Not present. Wood Valley Moderate-Present and reflectorized with some exceptions. Pahala Low-Present.Most are at least 4'in size and are reflectorized. Punaluu Moderate-Present and reflectorized with some exceptions. Naalehu Low-Present.Most are at least 4'in size and are reflectorized. Discovery Low-Present.Most are at least 4'in size and are reflectorized. Harbor Waiohinu Moderate-Present and reflectorized with some exceptions. South Point Moderate-Present and reflectorized with some exceptions. Structure Kapapala Low-Low structure density and low ignition probability. Density Wood Valley Low-Low structure density and low ignition probability. Moderate-Density and ignition probability are both moderate,or one is high but is Pahala balanced by the other being low. Moderate-Density and ignition probability are both moderate,or one is high but is Punaluu balanced by the other being low. Moderate-Density and ignition probability are both moderate,or one is high but is Naalehu balanced by the other being low. Discovery Low-Low structure density and low ignition probability. Harbor Waiohinu Low-Low structure density and low ignition probability. South Point Low-Low structure density and low ignition probability. Home Low-Majority(50%+)of homes are set back from property lines and slopes by at least Setbacks Kapapala 30 feet. Low-Majority(50%+)of homes are set back from property lines and slopes by at least Wood Valley 30 feet. Moderate-10-50%of homes have defensible setbacks from property lines and sloped Pahala areas. Low-Majority(50%+)of homes are set back from property lines and slopes by at least Punaluu 30 feet. Moderate-10-50%of homes have defensible setbacks from property lines and sloped Naalehu areas. Discovery Low-Majority(50%+)of homes are set back from property lines and slopes by at least Harbor 30 feet. Low-Majority(50%+)of homes are set back from property lines and slopes by at least Waiohinu 30 feet. Low-Majority(50%+)of homes are set back from property lines and slopes by at least South Point 30 feet. Unmanaged, Moderate-Some isolated unmaintained lots or undeveloped vegetated areas within untended, subdivision. 10-50%of lots have not been developed and pose an additional wildfire undeveloped hazard due to lack of maintenance and/or restricted access.Hazard ranking is dependent lands Kapapala on ignition risk,size of area,and fuel type. High-Abundant unmanaged,vegetated corridors and vacant lots throughout community. Agricultural lands irregularly maintained leaving dry weedy species causing increased ignition risk. Numerous ladder fuels and high risk fuels.Greater than 75%of lots have not been developed or Separation of adjacent structures that can contribute to Wood Valley fire spread. Moderate-Some isolated unmaintained lots or undeveloped vegetated areas within subdivision. 10-50%of lots have not been developed and pose an additional wildfire hazard due to lack of maintenance and/or restricted access.Hazard ranking is dependent Pahala on ignition risk,size of area,and fuel type. Punaluu High—see above Moderate-Some isolated unmaintained lots or undeveloped vegetated areas within subdivision. 10-50%of lots have not been developed and pose an additional wildfire hazard due to lack of maintenance and/or restricted access.Hazard ranking is dependent Naalehu on ignition risk,size of area,and fuel type. Discovery High—see above Harbor Waiohinu High—see above South Point High—see above Private Moderate-30-70%homes have improved survivable space around property and well- landowner Kapapala maintained landscapes. actions/ Moderate-30-70%homes have improved survivable space around property and well- Firewise Wood Valley maintained landscapes. landscaping Moderate-30-70%homes have improved survivable space around property and well- and Pahala maintained landscapes. defensible Low-70%of homes have improved survivable space around property,reduced ignition space Punaluu risk,hardened homes,and no ladder fuels. Moderate-30-70%homes have improved survivable space around property and well- Naalehu maintained landscapes. Discovery Moderate-30-70%homes have improved survivable space around property and well- Harbor maintained landscapes. Moderate-30-70%homes have improved survivable space around property and well- Waiohinu maintained landscapes. Low-70%of homes have improved survivable space around property,reduced ignition South Point risk,hardened homes,and no ladder fuels. Proximity of Kapapala High-Wildland areas surround subdivision on at least 3 sides. subdivision to Wood Valley High-Wildland areas surround subdivision on at least 3 sides. wildland areas Pahala High-Wildland areas surround subdivision on at least 3 sides. Punaluu High-Wildland areas surround subdivision on at least 3 sides. Naalehu High-Wildland areas surround subdivision on at least 3 sides. Discovery High-Wildland areas surround subdivision on at least 3 sides. Harbor Waiohinu High-Wildland areas surround subdivision on at least 3 sides. South Point High-Wildland areas surround subdivision on at least 3 sides. Table 1.Subdivision Hazards 8 • Vegetation Hazard Ratings Vegetation Hazard Total Hawai'I Island CWPP:Kea 1 r—. Q KauCWPP2015 VeN swe Major Roads Kepepla r,. r{► Wood wr.1 rete.. PYOiI.a r- HOVE „' Vegetation Hazard ExTREME HIGH Orr H arbor South Point MODERATE N Map Scala an LOW I 270,000 Unranked'Non Urban HWM0.6 d 2 4 8 12 16 20 Miles Figure 3. Vegetation Hazzard Total Map i`, #.C;p 1 i.to y q' Photo 2.Ka`u High Fuels 9 Ka`ii Vegetation Hazards Specific Subdivision Hazard Rating Hazard Proximity of Kapapala High-Less than 40' flammable Wood Valley Moderate-40-100' fuels around Pahala High-Less than 40' subdivision punalu'u High-Less than 40' Naalehu High-Less than 40' Discovery Harbor High-Less than 40' Waiohinu Moderate-40-100' South Point High-Less than 40' Type of Moderate-Grasses 6-12 inches in height. Grasses 6-12"tall.Light brush and small predominant Kapapala trees. Patchy fuels. vegetation Moderate-Grasses 6-12 inches in height. Grasses 6-12"tall.Light brush and small within 300'of Wood Valley trees. Patchy fuels. homes Moderate-Grasses 6-12 inches in height. Grasses 6-12"tall.Light brush and small Pahala trees. Patchy fuels. High-Dense grass,brush,timber,and/or hardwoods. Moderate to heavy dead and Punalu'u downed vegetation.Fuels greater than 12 feet tall. Heavy vegetation. Moderate-Grasses 6-12 inches in height. Grasses 6-12"tall.Light brush and small Naalehu trees. Patchy fuels. High-Dense grass,brush,timber,and/or hardwoods. Moderate to heavy dead and Discovery Harbor downed vegetation.Fuels greater than 12 feet tall. Heavy vegetation. High-Dense grass,brush,timber,and/or hardwoods. Moderate to heavy dead and Waiohinu downed vegetation.Fuels greater than 12 feet tall. Heavy vegetation. Moderate-Grasses 6-12 inches in height. Grasses 6-12"tall.Light brush and small South Point trees. Patchy fuels. Fuel loading Kapapala Low-0-30%cover Wood Valley Moderate-31-70%cover Pahala Moderate-31-70%cover Punaluu High-71-100%cover Naalehu Moderate-31-70%cover Discovery Harbor High-71-100%cover Waiohinu Moderate-31-70%cover South Point Moderate-31-70%cover Fuel Kapapala Low-Non-contiguous or patchwork arrangement.Little to no ladder fuels. structure and Wood Valley Low-Non-contiguous or patchwork arrangement.Little to no ladder fuels. arrangement Pahala Moderate-Combination of patchwork and contiguous vegetation. Some ladder fuels. Punaluu Moderate-Combination of patchwork and contiguous vegetation. Some ladder fuels. Naalehu Moderate-Combination of patchwork and contiguous vegetation. Some ladder fuels. Discovery Harbor Hi,h-Uninterrupted vegetation,pervasive ladder fuels. Waiohinu Moderate-Combination of patchwork and contiguous vegetation. Some ladder fuels. South Point High-Uninterrupted vegetation,pervasive ladder fuels. Defensible Kapapala Low-Vegetation is treated 100 feet or more from structures. Space/Fuels Wood Valley Low-Vegetation is treated 100 feet or more from structures. reduction Pahala Moderate-31-100 ft of vegetation treatment from structures. around Moderate-31-100 ft of vegetation treatment from structures. homes& Punaluu structures Naalehu Moderate-31-100 ft of vegetation treatment from structures. Discovery Harbor Moderate-31-100 ft of vegetation treatment from structures. Moderate-31-100 ft of vegetation treatment from structures. Waiohinu South Point Low-Vegetation is treated 100 feet or more from structures. Table 2. Vegetation Hazards 10 Building Hazard Ratings Building Hazard Total Hawal'i Island CWPP:Ka'u QKauCWPP2015 volcano ------Major Roads y j/ c., ,,,,4 Kapapala / iwyj Wood Valay / 1 / l Paha/ i f )ri" ;Ai& PuitiWa /,..,'E' �� Budding Hazard Ka,._r r Waiohinu Ida ahrhu 11.Ex'NEME 7,61,4 Discovery Harbor ARAtYA,E South Point N ®Iriw --`uvra.m txn-uaa, Map Scala Ciwcw nws 1 : 270,000 --Aw«Ronk, HWM01 0 2 4 8 12 18 20 �_ � — — Miles Figure 4.Building Hazard Total Map Kali Building Hazards Specific Hazard Subdivision Hazard Rating Roofing Low-Greater than 75%of homes have Class A roofs(metal,asphalt,or fiberglass Assembly Kapapala roofing material). Low-Greater than 75%of homes have Class A roofs(metal,asphalt,or fiberglass Wood Valley roofing material). Low-Greater than 75%of homes have Class A roofs(metal,asphalt,or fiberglass Pahala roofing material). Punalu'u High-Less than 50%of homes have Class A roofing. Low-Greater than 75%of homes have Class A roofs(metal,asphalt,or fiberglass Naalehu roofing material). Discovery Low-Greater than 75%of homes have Class A roofs(metal,asphalt,or fiberglass Harbor roofing material). Waiohinu Moderate-50-75%have Class A roofing. Low-Greater than 75%of homes have Class A roofs(metal,asphalt,or fiberglass South Point roofing material). Siding/ Soffits Kapapala Moderate-50-75%of homes have fire resistant siding and soffits. Wood Valley Moderate-50-75%of homes have fire resistant siding and soffits. 11 Pahala Moderate-50-75%of homes have fire resistant siding and soffits. Punalu'u Moderate-50-75%of homes have fire resistant siding and soffits. Naalehu Moderate-50-75%of homes have fire resistant siding and soffits. Discovery Moderate-50-75%of homes have fire resistant siding and soffits. Harbor Waiohinu Moderate-50-75%of homes have fire resistant siding and soffits. South Point Moderate-50-75%of homes have fire resistant siding and soffits. Under-skirting Moderate-50-75%of homes have the equivalent of fine non-combustible mesh around decks, Kapapala screening lanais,post-and- Moderate-50-75%of homes have the equivalent of fine non-combustible mesh pier structures. Wood Valley screening Moderate-50-75%of homes have the equivalent of fine non-combustible mesh Pahala screening Moderate-50-75%of homes have the equivalent of fine non-combustible mesh Punaluu screening Moderate-50-75%of homes have the equivalent of fine non-combustible mesh Naalehu screening Discovery Moderate-50-75%of homes have the equivalent of fine non-combustible mesh Harbor screening Waiohinu Moderate-31-70%cover Low-Greater than 75%of homes have the equivalent of fine non-combustible mesh South Point screening to protect underneath from flying embers and ignition Utilities Kapapala High-Both above ground. Placement-Gas Wood Valley High-Both above ground. and Electric Pahala High-Both above ground. Punaluu Low-All underground or none. Naalehu High-Both above ground. Discovery High-Both above ground. Harbor Waiohinu High-Both above ground. South Point High-Both above ground. Structural Kapapala Moderate-50-75%of homes store combustibles properly. Ignitability Low-Greater than 75%or houses are spaced with cleared boundaries. Flammables Wood Valley and combustible materials stored according to fire-safe principles. Pahala Moderate-50-75%of homes store combustibles properly. Low-Greater than 75%or houses are spaced with cleared boundaries. Flammables Punaluu and combustible materials stored according to fire-safe principles. Naalehu Moderate-50-75%of homes store combustibles properly. Discovery Moderate-50-75%of homes store combustibles properly. Harbor Moderate-50-75%of homes store combustibles properly. Waiohinu Low-Greater than 75%or houses are spaced with cleared boundaries. Flammables South Point and combustible materials stored according to fire-safe principles. Table 3.Building Hazards 12 • Fire Environment Hazard Ratings Fire Hazard Total Hawaii Island CWPP:Ka'u KauCWPP2015 Vold Major Roads mesa VaWy Panty Panases Itroz r Oiacovary Harbor raCoMot 186N N is In Map Seal -, 1 : 270,000 +ws0'aCnVNa HWMO:. 0 2 4 8 12 16 20 -._._.-. Kies Figure 5.Fire Environment Hazard Total Map Ka`u Fire Environment Hazards Specific Subdivision Hazard Rating Hazard Slope Kapapala Moderate-Moderate slopes (10-30%) Wood Valley Low-Flat to slight slope(10%) Pahala Low-Flat to slight slope(10%) Punalu'u Moderate-Moderate slopes (10-30%) Naalehu Moderate-Moderate slopes(10-30%) Discovery Harbor Moderate-Moderate slopes (10-30%) Waiohinu Moderate-Moderate slopes (10-30%) South Point Moderate-Moderate slopes (10-30%) Average Kapapala Moderate-Moderate precipitation 3 Rainfall Wood Valley Moderate-Moderate precipitation 3 (Score 1-6) Pahala Moderate-Moderate precipitation 4 Punalu'u Moderate-Moderate precipitation 4 Naalehu Moderate-Moderate precipitation 3 Discovery Harbor Moderate-Moderate precipitation 4 Waiohinu Moderate-Moderate precipitation 3 South Point High Hazard-Low precipitation 5 Prevailing Low-Wind rarely(less than 10%of time)exceeds 15 mph.Protection from predominant Wind Kapapala winds. 13 Speeds Low-Wind rarely(less than 10%of time)exceeds 15 mph.Protection from predominant and Wood Valley winds. Direction Pahala Moderate-Wind rarely(less than 10%of time)exceeds 15 mph. (Score 1-4) High-Wind frequently(50%or more of time)exceeds 15 mph or frequent exposure to Punaluu predominant winds or transitional/converging wind directions. Naalehu Moderate-Wind rarely(less than 10%of time)exceeds 15 mph. Discovery Harbor Moderate-Wind rarely(less than 10%of time)exceeds 15 mph. Waiohinu Moderate-Wind rarely(less than 10%of time)exceeds 15 mph. High-Wind frequently(50%or more of time)exceeds 15 mph or frequent exposure to South Point predominant winds or transitional/converging wind directions. Seasonal Moderate-Area is occasionally(e.g.,once per decade)exposed to fire prone conditions: or periodic Kapapala drought,lightning storms,desiccated vegetation,and/or strong dry winds. high Moderate-Area is occasionally(e.g.,once per decade)exposed to fire prone conditions: hazard Wood Valley drought,lightning storms,desiccated vegetation,and/or strong dry winds. conditions High-Area is seasonally exposed to unusually severe fire weather,drought conditions, Pahala lightning storms,desiccated vegetation,and/or strong dry winds. High-Area is seasonally exposed to unusually severe fire weather,drought conditions, Punaluu lightning storms,desiccated vegetation,and/or strong dry winds. Moderate-Area is occasionally(e.g.,once per decade)exposed to fire prone conditions: Naalehu drought,lightning storms,desiccated vegetation,and/or strong dry winds. High-Area is seasonally exposed to unusually severe fire weather,drought conditions, lightning storms,desiccated vegetation,and/or strong dry winds. Discovery Harbor Moderate-Area is occasionally(e.g.,once per decade)exposed to fire prone conditions: Waiohinu drought,lightning storms,desiccated vegetation,and/or strong dry winds. High-Area is seasonally exposed to unusually severe fire weather,drought conditions, South Point lightning storms,desiccated vegetation,and/or strong dry winds. Ignition Low-Little to no natural(lightning or lava)ignition risk. No history of arson. Wildland Risk Kapapala areas absent or distant from public and/or vehicular access. Low-Little to no natural(lightning or lava)ignition risk. No history of arson. Wildland Wood Valley areas absent or distant from public and/or vehicular access. Moderate-Some history of wildfire,but not particularly fire prone area due to prevailing Pahala lack of fire prone conditions,weather,and vegetation type. High-Most historic wildfire events were anthropogenic with easy access to wildland areas via roads or proximity to development OR natural ignition sources such as lightning or lava are prevalent.Fire prone area. High rate of ignitions or history of large scale fires Punaluu and/or severe wildfire events. Low-Little to no natural(lightning or lava)ignition risk. No history of arson. Wildland Naalehu areas absent or distant from public and/or vehicular access. Moderate-Some history of wildfire,but not particularly fire prone area due to prevailing Discovery Harbor lack of fire prone conditions,weather,and vegetation type. Moderate-Some history of wildfire,but not particularly fire prone area due to prevailing Waiohinu lack of fire prone conditions,weather,and vegetation type. High-Most historic wildfire events were anthropogenic with easy access to wildland areas via roads or proximity to development OR natural ignition sources such as lightning or lava are prevalent.Fire prone area. High rate of ignitions or history of large scale fires South Point and/or severe wildfire events. Topograph Kapapala Moderate-Minor features such as low or occasional hills. ical Wood Valley Low—None Features Pahala Low-None that Punaluu Moderate-Minor features such as low or occasional hills. adversely Naalehu Moderate-Minor features such as low or occasional hills. affect Discovery Harbor Moderate-Minor features such as low or occasional hills. wildland Waiohinu High-Major feature such as box canyon,ravines,chutes,saddles,transition zones. fire High-Major feature such as box canyon,ravines,chutes,saddles,transition zones. behavior South Point Table 4.Fire Environment Hazards 14 Fire Protection Hazard Ratings Fire Protection Hazard Total Nawar/Island CWPP:Ken Q WuCWPP2015 v..e Ms;od Roads KaMWa /: ■ahatii / ,.•7 Fre Protection trove 1 _ / 111.E+ydw 010 11.• Estate siehom. ,Ni NNw. Prie D.scnw.y Naree. South'OM. .«t51keNYY is N I Map*tate les { 1 s 270,900 Cannon.+tw.uu.� HWMO"► 0 2 4 6 12 16 20 Mlles Figure 6.Fire Protection Hazard Total Map Ka`i Fire Protection Hazards Specific Subdivision Hazard Rating Hazard Water source Kapapala High-Water unavailable,or offsite water more than 20 minute roundtrip. availability Moderate-Non-pressurized water source availability(offsite or draft location)or Wood Valley dipsite.Homes on catchment water have fire-hose hookups. Pahala Low-Pressurized water source availability.500 GPM less than 1000 ft spacing. Punalu'u Low-Pressurized water source availability.500 GPM less than 1000 ft spacing. Naalehu Low-Pressurized water source availability.500 GPM less than 1000 ft spacing. Moderate-Non-pressurized water source availability(offsite or draft location)or Discovery Harbor dipsite.Homes on catchment water have fire-hose hookups. Waiohinu Low-Pressurized water source availability.500 GPM less than 1000 ft spacing. South Point High-Water unavailable,or offsite water more than 20 minute round trip. Response Kapapala Low-Within 15 minutes time Wood Valley Low-Within 15 minutes Pahala Low-Within 15 minutes Punalu'u Low-Within 15 minutes Naalehu Moderate-16-30 minutes _ Discovery Harbor Moderate-16-30 minutes Waiohinu Moderate- 16-30 minutes South Point Moderate- 16-30 minutes Fire Station Moderate-Wind rarely(less than 100/0 of time)exceeds 15 mph.Protection from Proximity Kapapala predominant winds. Wood Valley Low-Less than 5 miles Pahala Low-Less than 5 miles 15 • Punaluu Low-Less than 5 miles Naalehu Moderate—6-10 miles Discovery Harbor Moderate—6-10 miles Waiohinu High—More than 10 miles South Point Moderate—6-10 miles Fire Low-Large fully paid fire department with personnel that meet NFPA or NWCG department Kapapala training requirements and have adequate equipment. structural Low-Large fully paid fire department with personnel that meet NFPA or NWCG training and Wood Valley training requirements and have adequate equipment. expertise Low-Large fully paid fire department with personnel that meet NFPA or NWCG Pahala training requirements and have adequate equipment. Low-Large fully paid fire department with personnel that meet NFPA or NWCG Punaluu training requirements and have adequate equipment. Low-Large fully paid fire department with personnel that meet NFPA or NWCG Naalehu training requirements and have adequate equipment. Discovery Harbor Low-Large fully paid fire department with personnel that meet NFPA or NWCG training requirements and have adequate equipment. Low-Large fully paid fire department with personnel that meet NFPA or NWCG Waiohinu training requirements and have adequate equipment. Low-Large fully paid fire department with personnel that meet NFPA or NWCG South Point training requirements and have adequate equipment. Wildland Moderate-Limited personnel,and or equipment but with some wildland firefighting firefighting expertise and training.Smaller supply of fire apparatus in fairly good repair with some capability of Kapapala specialty equipment. initial Moderate-Limited personnel,and or equipment but with some wildland firefighting response expertise and training.Smaller supply of fire apparatus in fairly good repair with some agency Wood Valley specialty equipment. Moderate-Limited personnel,and or equipment but with some wildland firefighting expertise and training.Smaller supply of fire apparatus in fairly good repair with some Pahala specialty equipment. Moderate-Limited personnel,and or equipment but with some wildland firefighting expertise and training.Smaller supply of fire apparatus in fairly good repair with some Punaluu specialty equipment. Moderate-Limited personnel,and or equipment but with some wildland firefighting expertise and training.Smaller supply of fire apparatus in fairly good repair with some Naalehu specialty equipment. Moderate-Limited personnel,and or equipment but with some wildland firefighting expertise and training.Smaller supply of fire apparatus in fairly good repair with some Discovery Harbor specialty equipment. Moderate-Limited personnel,and or equipment but with some wildland firefighting expertise and training.Smaller supply of fire apparatus in fairly good repair with some Waiohinu specialty equipment. Moderate-Limited personnel,and or equipment but with some wildland firefighting expertise and training.Smaller supply of fire apparatus in fairly good repair with some South Point specialty equipment. Interagency Kapapala Low-Mutual aid agreements and resources available to deploy. Cooperation Wood Valley Low-Mutual aid agreements and resources available to deploy. Pahala Low-Mutual aid agreements and resources available to deploy. Punaluu Low-Mutual aid agreements and resources available to deploy. Naalehu Low-Mutual aid agreements and resources available to deploy. Discovery Harbor Low-Mutual aid agreements and resources available to deploy. Waiohinu Low-Mutual aid agreements and resources available to deploy. South Point Low-Mutual aid agreements and resources available to deploy. Local High—no EOG or CERT team,etc.that is organized or active,underprepared for emergency Kapapala evacuation processes operations High—no EOG or CERT team,etc.that is organized or active,underprepared for group or Wood Valley evacuation processes other similar High—no EOG or CERT team,etc.that is organized or active,underprepared for Pahala evacuation processes 16 High—no EOG or CERT team,etc.that is organized or active,underprepared for Punaluu evacuation processes High—no EOG or CERT team,etc.that is organized or active,underprepared for Naalehu evacuation processes High—no EOG or CERT team,etc.that is organized or active,underprepared for Discovery Harbor evacuation processes High—no EOG or CERT team,etc.that is organized or active,underprepared for Waiohinu evacuation processes High—no EOG or CERT team,etc.that is organized or active,underprepared for South Point evacuation processes Community Moderate-Have voluntary ordinances for fire safe practices.Local officials have an planning understanding of appropriate wildfire mitigation strategies. Fire department has limited practices and input to fire safe planning and development efforts and limited enforcement.Residents ordinances Kapapala are mostly compliant. Moderate-Have voluntary ordinances for fire safe practices.Local officials have an understanding of appropriate wildfire mitigation strategies. Fire department has limited input to fire safe planning and development efforts and limited enforcement.Residents ood Valley are mostly compliant. Moderate-Have voluntary ordinances for fire safe practices.Local officials have an understanding of appropriate wildfire mitigation strategies. Fire department has limited input to fire safe planning and development efforts and limited enforcement.Residents Pahala are mostly compliant. Moderate-Have voluntary ordinances for fire safe practices.Local officials have an understanding of appropriate wildfire mitigation strategies. Fire department has limited input to fire safe planning and development efforts and limited enforcement.Residents Punaluu are mostly compliant. Moderate-Have voluntary ordinances for fire safe practices.Local officials have an understanding of appropriate wildfire mitigation strategies. Fire department has limited input to fire safe planning and development efforts and limited enforcement.Residents Naalehu are mostly compliant. Moderate-Have voluntary ordinances for fire safe practices.Local officials have an understanding of appropriate wildfire mitigation strategies. Fire department has limited input to fire safe planning and development efforts and limited enforcement.Residents Discovery Harbor are mostly compliant. Moderate-Have voluntary ordinances for fire safe practices.Local officials have an understanding of appropriate wildfire mitigation strategies. Fire department has limited input to fire safe planning and development efforts and limited enforcement.Residents Waiohinu are mostly compliant. Moderate-Have voluntary ordinances for fire safe practices.Local officials have an understanding of appropriate wildfire mitigation strategies. Fire department has limited input to fire safe planning and development efforts and limited enforcement.Residents South Point are mostly compliant. Community Moderate-Limited provision of or interest in educational efforts. Fire Department or fire-safe Kapapala local group does some limited prevention and public education. efforts and Moderate-Limited provision of or interest in educational efforts. Fire Department or programs Wood Valley local group does some limited prevention and public education. already in Moderate-Limited provision of or interest in educational efforts. Fire Department or place Pahala local group does some limited prevention and public education. Moderate-Limited provision of or interest in educational efforts. Fire Department or Punaluu local group does some limited prevention and public education. Moderate-Limited provision of or interest in educational efforts. Fire Department or Naalehu local group does some limited prevention and public education. Moderate-Limited provision of or interest in educational efforts. Fire Department or Discovery Harbor local group does some limited prevention and public education. Moderate-Limited provision of or interest in educational efforts. Fire Department or Waiohinu local group does some limited prevention and public education. Moderate-Limited provision of or interest in educational efforts. Fire Department or South Point local group does some limited prevention and public education. Table 5.Fire Protections Hazards 17 Community Concerns & Recommendations The Ka`u Community Input meetings were held at the Na'alehu Elementary and Intermediate School in 2014 on October 27th and 28th each from 6-7:30pm and included a short presentation followed by a facilitated public input process. Community members,business owners, a journalist, the NPS Fire Management Officer, and HFD firefighters were split into two groups where they shared their wildfire concerns and recommended actions during the input process. Each group presented to the whole group and then each person voted with 3 stickers on their priority concerns/actions. Then each person was given another 3 stickers to place on the enlarged Ka`n map for their most valued areas or community resources (home,park,cultural site, etc.).The community input was organized in two ways, first by Cohesive Strategies and second by Subject Area. Input Organized According to Cohesive Strategy The National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy (or Cohesive Strategy) encourages communities to develop a dynamic approach to planning for,responding to,and recovering from wildland fires. It provides a framework for wildfire-related discussion, efforts,and goals across the United States.The overarching national strategy is further divided into three regions for tighter collaboration and coordination in each area. Hawai'i falls into the Western Region that delineates its goals into the flowing categories: • Restore and Maintain Landscapes • Fire-Adapted Communities • Improve Wildfire Response The results of the public meeting have been organized according to this framework to mesh with this national planning strategy. The following figure and tables depict the results relative to the Cohesive Strategy Category. The pie chart is based on the number of votes each community member cast for each concern/recommendation: 53%of the community concerns and recommendation votes focused on the Cohesive Strategy"Improving Wildfire Response,"47% on"Fire Adapted Communities,"and 0 votes for "Restore and Maintain Landscapes." These votes and percentages helped determine the priority level of the action items suggested within Tables 6-11. 4 1 41 +���� ., 4 . ' 1401 ,. Photo 3 and Photo 4. Ka`u participants identify wildfire concerns and prioritqe recommended actions 18 Percentage of Concerns/Recommendations in each Cohesive Strategy Category Fire Adapted Communities —Improve Wildfire Response Restore and Maintain Landscapes Figure 7. Percentage of Concerns/Recommendations in each Cohesive Strategy Input per Cohesive Strategy Category The following tables articulate all concerns and recommended actions that were provided at the input meetings. All input was put into priority order by participants. Public Input—Prioritized Concerns and Recommended Actions Category: Improve Wildfire Response Wildfire Concern Recommended Action (In priority order) 1. Firefighter Capacity • Recruit/train volunteer fire fighters in community(Green Sands • Lack of fire personnel subdivision) 2. Firefighter Access to Areas&Water • Create agreements with large landowners for water access • Need better access to water for • Install diptanks suppression • Establish community water tanks available for fire suppression • Non-standard fittings on water • Unify subdivision into a community improvement district so troughs county water is available for firefighter access. • Inaccessible roads • Improve fire truck access on unmarked private roads • Put signs on unmarked roads and homes with no numbers • Purchase 4WD vehicles for fire department • Start a community donation campaign • Make recommendations to County budget 3. Enforcement • Involve County Council;Decision-makers in drafting and • Fire inspection wildfire hazard approving fuel abatement laws violations Table 6. Public Input Improve Wildfire Response Cohesive Strategy Public Input—Prioritized Concerns and Recommended Actions Category: Fire Adapted Communities Wildfire Concern Recommended Action (In priority order) 1. Education&Outreach: • Need more community concern • Use Community Chipper days as incentive to get people involved and participation (come to meeting and get free chipper hours!) • Need community education • Beautification projects that also reduce fire risk on preventing ignitions • Increase community education: • Arson o Youth education 19 • Irresponsible behavior o Fire danger signs in strategic locations,high traffic areas (campfires,etc.) (South Point Rd.,Kamaoa) • Trash along power line roads • Develop community awareness campaigns (reporting illegal activities) • Outreach with kids who then talk to parents • Put gates on roads to prevent dumping • Post no dumping/fire hazard signs 2. Fuels Management on private lands • Organize a letter writing campaign 3. Fuels Management • Coordinate community volunteer work days • Guinea Grass • Utilize grazing animals (look into free animals) Table 7.Public Input Fire Adapted Communities Cohesive Strategy Public Input—Prioritized Concerns and Recommended Actions Category: Restore and Maintain Landscapes Wildfire Concern Recommended Action (In priority order) Native Hawaiian Cultural Sites • Training for personnel to identify and exercise care around cultural Wildfire Response sites • May disturb sensitive cultural • In"heat of the moment" fire personnel and other community sites and burial grounds members take precautions to protect cultural sites/burials (Mostly on undeveloped makai sides of highway where most wildfires in Naalehu occur. Ex:Ka'alu'alu has many intact sites and in nearby Kalae contains one of largest burial grounds) Table 8. Public Input Restore and Maintain Landscapes Cohesive Strategy Input Organized by Subject Matter The community input results were tallied and organized by subject area to aid the development of a priority projects list. The graph below demonstrates how many times each topic was addressed or referred to within the participant input. The most frequently discussed issue was Firefighter Capacity, followed by Fuels Management and Education/Outreach and the third most discussed issue was Firefighter Access to Water and Areas. Cultural Resources,Large Landowner Responsibility,and Enforcement/Legislation were each addressed once by participants. See tables above for participant concern/recommendation details related to each subject. Frequency of Subject listed as Concern/Action Item Cultural Resources Large Landowner Responsibility _NW Enforcement/Legislation _OW Firefighter Capacity _ Fuels Management _ ._.:.,__ . _,: —Number of Times Addressed Access _ Education/Outreach 0 2 4 6 8 Figure 8. Frequency of Subject listed as Concern/Action Item 20 • Community Resources Map During the Community Meetings,participants were asked to place 3 stickers on the areas of their greatest concern within or near the CWPP boundaries. The areas selected are starred in the map below.This map is used to develop the priority projects listed in Tables 10 and 11 and is referenced in the sections above, "Community Concerns&Recommendations,"and in the section below"Recommended Next Steps." Kau CWPP 2015: High Value Resources Selected By CWPP Meeting Participants KauCWPP2015 * High Value Res. -Major Roads J,. 01111P iiatt r i irk ti Map Scale .....- -.- . * 7 : 200,000 41' air1 HWMO i * 0 2 4 8 12 16 20 Mies Photo 5. Ka'u participants select areas and Figure 9.I-ligh Value Resources Map resources of high value on the community base map 21 Recommended Next Steps The Ka`u Action Plan was developed through an analysis of the issues identified in the risk assessment, community and agency input,and through a review of other Community Wildfire Protection Plans. Private landowners,Federal,State, and County agencies and were invited to submit projects that provide protection and reduce risk. The community concerns and action items listed above served as the basis for the projects listed below that will guide hazard reduction efforts in the future. Landowners and agencies are invited to continue to submit projects that provide community protection and mitigate wildfire risk. HWMO and the Big Island Wildfire Coordinating Group intend to meet annually to evaluate progress on projects and mutually agree on treatment priorities. Additional projects will be displayed as appendices in updated versions of this plan. The following table lists initial projects suggested to address community hazard reduction priorities. Immediate Projects (1-3 Years) In Priori Order: Proposed Project Anticipated When I cad Cost 1. Wildfire Education Cooperative 2015-2017 HWMO/Private (Community awareness programs,fire Funding danger signs,arson prevention,youth ed., $50,000 2. Fuels Management $500,000 2016-2018 Community,HWMO (Community volunteer work days,letter Cooperative writing campaign,grazing animals) Funding 3. Improve firefighter access and water $ 900,000 + 2016-2018 Multiple Agencies (federal, access brush fire state,county,private) (Diptanks,hose fittings,landowner truck a: eements,4WD vehicles, si: a:e) 4. Improve wildland fire fighting capacity $150,000 2016 HFD,Volunteer Fire (Increase number of firefighters, Cooperative Depts.,Communities equipment,training—cultural sites Funding .rotocol Community chipper days as Cooperative 2015-2018 Community,HWMO incentives/educational program Funding $20,000 Table 10.Next Steps:Immediate Projects The following 2010 project list was revisited by participants of the 2014-15 CWPP update process,with projects that remain a priority noted within each table. Original Kali Projects List 2010 Project Agency Funding Needs Time Community Remains a 2014-15 table Recommenda priority project? tion Install pre-staged static water Multiple Cooperative Funding 2011- Yes Yes and helicopter dip tanks Agencies: $828,000 2013 federal,state, county,and private 22 r Reduce and/or convert fuel Multiple Cooperative Funding 2010- Yes Yes load along roadsides, Agencies: $850,000 2014 community open areas,and county individual homes and lots Create development Multiple Cooperative Funding 2006- Yes Yes standards and conduct Agencies: $150,000 2007 community planning that county and for outreach,any needed requires the state impact studies and mitigation of wildfire risks education Increase mapping Multiple Cooperative Funding 2010- Yes Yes technologies and capabilities Agencies: $100,000 2013 for fire agencies federal,state, county,and private Install street signage Multiple Cooperative 2010- Yes Yes identifying evacuation routes Agencies: Funding$50,000 2014 federal,state, county,and private Develop emergency staging Multiple Cooperative 2010- Yes Yes areas within communities, agencies: Funding. 2012 promoting awareness of such private $33,000 for areas within the community, planning and including holding mock outreach disaster drills Reduce,control,and or Multiple Cooperative 2008- Yes Yes convert invasive species Agencies: Funding 2012 federal,state, $1,500,000 county,and includes private maintenance, grazing,and conversion projects Continue fire prevention Multiple Cooperative 2010- Yes Yes education and outreach, agencies: Funding$30,000 2014 including arson prevention federal,state, education county,and private Increase effective integrated Multiple Cooperative 2010- Yes Yes communication and initial agencies Funding$150,000 2014 attack protocol between county state federal,state and county fire suppression agencies Table 11. Original Ka`u Projects List 2010 23 t� PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND MAINTENANCE Because of the non-regulatory nature of the CWPP,the relevance and effectiveness of the Ka`u CWPP and its subsequent updates rely heavily upon community initiative and agency involvement. Expertise,technical support,and implementation assistance will be provided by the appropriate agencies and organizations involved in fire issues in the Ka`u Area,and area residents are urged to contribute their time and effort to implement the actions they self-identified in Ka`u CWPP planning and update processes. Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization,in cooperation with the Big Island Wildfire Coordinating Group, is available to provide technical support,identify and coordinate funding when possible, and serve as a centralized resource for wildfire risk reduction efforts in Ka`u. Together,representatives will continue to prioritize and recommend funding for projects,document the successes and lessons learned from those projects,and evaluate and update the CWPP as needed. Many Ka`u CWPP action items will require continuing support for wildfire risk mitigation projects.This will involve actively pursuing funding for projects, staying informed and in contact with one another,and updating the CWPP regularly so that it remains a"living"document. Continuing to build community awareness of these issues and actions will assist with fostering individual and community investment in projects. The following County,State,and Federal representatives have a high level of interest in the protection of the Ka`u area from wildfire,and have reviewed and support this CWPP. Contact information for principal government stakeholders is listed below. County: Hawaii Fire Department Hawaii County Civil Defense Darren Rosario,Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira,Administrator 25 Aupuni St. #2501 Hilo, HI 96720 920 Ululani St. Hilo,HI 96720 (808) 932-2903 `s. ;,► (808) 935-0031 doliveira@co.hawaii.hi.us State: Department of Land and Natural Resources,Division of Forestry and Wildlife .C.°'"°h,� Lisa J.Hadway,Administrator 460' °=m 1151 Punchbowl St.,Room 325, Honolulu, HI 96813k (808) 587-4173 ' hA WAll Lisa.J.Hadway@hawaii.gov Federal: National Park Service James Courtright,Fire Management Officer Hawaii Volcanoes National Park&Pacific Islands Network (808) 985-6042 .4' James_Courtright@nps.gov 24