HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunication No. 2024-13 Updated Letter to HWMO Hamakua Wildfire Preparedness PlanDirectors Nani Madeiros and Elizabeth Pickett
Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization
65-1279 Kawaihae Rd. Suite 211
Kamuela, Hawaii 96743
808-885-0900
admin@hawaiiwildfire.org
Dear Nani and Elizabeth,
The Hamakua Community Development Plan Action Committee wishes to
again express our appreciation for the work which the Hawaii Wildfire
Management Organization is doing on behalf of the residents of Hamakua and
Hawaii Island in facing the threat of wildfire. Especially, thank you [Nani] for
the excellent presentation before our committee in November of last year.
As we get closer to 'fire season' we in communities along the Hamakua
coast will probably become more interested in the status of the Hamakua
Wildfire Preparedness Plan which you referenced in that presentation. Of
course, that season is probably still a few short months away, but preparation
time is always 'now'.
That this Plan has not been released to the Public after 4 or 5 months of
consideration, and possibly discussion, at expert levels likely means that there
is some disjunct between what has been proposed in the Plan, which you had
submitted, and what is felt practical by the Agencies responsible for its
application.
We, as the public and representatives of that public, would be interested in
where that tension might exist between the ideal and the practical. It can be
imagined that your organization, as advocates, might strive toward that ideal.
The County undoubtedly has an obligation to work within its limitations. And
obviously, the two of you must work together to confront the challenge.
It is therefore asked that the Action Committee would become informed as
to discussion that might be taking place which will shape the final design of the
Plan that HWMO and the County are formulating. Of course, this would be
public disclosure, and it may be that there are sensitive issues. However, it is
also reasonable that the Public be informed of dimensions which may separate
the ideal from the realizable or practical. The public might wish to advocate on
its own for striving toward the ideal in its protection, and might be able to
volunteer energy toward realizing that ideal.
Mahalo for your consideration.
______________________
Chair, Hamakua Community Development Plan Action Committee
Communication No. 2024-13
Cc:
Kazuo S.K.L. Todd, Fire Chief
Eric H. Moller, Deputy Fire Chief
Fire Department Administation
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2501
Hilo Hawaii 96720
808-932-2900
fire@hawaiicounty.gov
Fire Prevention Branch - East Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Suite 2501
Hilo Hawaii 96720
808-932-2911
Chair, Fire Commission
(Charisse Correa, Secretary) 808-932-2950
Hawaii County Civil Defense
808-935-0031