Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan: 15. Wildfires

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Chapter 15:Hazard Analysis—Wildfires 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. Ts 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.71 Plans address elements of fire protection, hazard assessment, wildfire mitigation priorities, and community outreach and education. The process 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). 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.72 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 73 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 74 County of Hawaii Drought Mitigation Strategies 75 Ka`u to South Kona Water Master Plan 76 Kona Community Development Plan 71 Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003—HR 1904.US Federal Register. 72.Adapted from Linn County Community Wildfire Protection Plan,ECONorwest,September,2007. 73 Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003—HR 1904.US Federal Register. 74 Community Planning and Hazard Risk:The Kau Community Development Plan.County of Hawaii Planning Department. 75 County of Hawaii Drought Mitigation Strategies,2004. 76 Kau Hawaii.Everything Ka u. 15-5 Hawaii County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan