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policy that addresses growth management in respect to wildfire risk. This is an opportunity for Hamakua to use land use <br />and settlement patterns as a wildfire risk reduction approach and advocate for safe growth. <br />This plan addresses the protection of watersheds, native wildlife, and natural ecosystems. Wildfires in Hawaii are a <br />threat to these types of natural resources Mauka to Makai. Over 98% of wildfires in Hawaii are human - <br />caused. Furthermore, the percentage of land area burned annually in Hawaii exceeds the national average, and some <br />years surpasses the 12 most fire -prone western states. Human -caused wildfires that occur in the WUI, especially in <br />residential areas near native ecosystems and forested watersheds, concern natural resource managers. Human -caused <br />wildfires that started near communities, but then spread toward and burned valuable conservation areas have occurred <br />in Hawaii. This plan does not specify actions at the county level that would ensure development uses, including land use <br />and settlement patterns, are compatible with reducing wildfire risk to Hamakua's conservation areas, including <br />watersheds, native wildlife, and natural ecosystems. <br />Lastly, in regards to Kokua Action 42 under 3.11 Land and Natural Resources in the Guidance to Agencies document, <br />DOFAW is involved with several wildfire risk reduction efforts in collaboration with partners. This Kokua Action only <br />addresses response. However, minimizing impacts to cultural and natural resources can also be achieved by <br />implementing risk reduction programs, including prevention and mitigation measures. <br />Dietra A. Myers Tremblay <br />Acting Fire Protection Forester <br />State of Hawaii <br />Department of Land and Natural Resources <br />Division of Forestry and Wildlife <br />1151 Punchbowl St. Rm 325 <br />Honolulu, HI 96813 <br />Phone (808) 587-4186 <br />Cell (808) 347-6740 <br />Fax (808) 587-0160 <br />