Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization recognized as a top leader in wildfire mitigation

Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization now has the distinction as being recognized as one of the nation’s top leaders in wildfire mitigation efforts by the National Association of State Foresters.

Based in Waimea on the Big Island, the nonprofit is dedicated to protecting Hawai‘i’s communities and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfires.

It was one of 5 organizations and individuals honored during an awards ceremony March 25 in Kansas City, Mo.

State Fire Protection Forester Mike Walker with the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife nominated the organization to be honored by the association.

“[Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization] has been a leader in wildfire mitigation, advancing community-driven wildfire education, preparedness and risk reduction across the state for 25 years,” said Walker in an announcement about the nonprofit’s national recognition.

The nonprofit works tirelessly to foster more prepared, connected communities and neighbors, advancing local solutions for long-term resilience, especially through initiatives such as its Firewise and Neighborhood Ambassador programs.

Following the devastating August 2023 wildfires in Lahaina, Maui, that killed more than 100 people, Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization gained international attention as it stepped up to provide immediate technical support and guidance, reinforcing the critical importance of defensible space, preparedness and community collaboration.

It also fast-tracked hazard assessments for emerging Firewise communities to address urgent risks and expedite mitigation efforts.

The nonprofit in 2024 alone increased the number of Firewise communities throughout Hawai‘i from 15 to 24, with an additional 20 new sites actively working toward recognition.

Other key accomplishments Walker noted in his nomination letter for work Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization completed in 2023 include:

• Provided workshops and guidance for displaced, evacuated and scared communities on 3 islands for 10,000 residents.
• Strengthened resilience in 18 existing Firewise sites and 20 emerging sites across the state.
• Sustained collaboration and education through the Hawai‘i Firewise Peer Network.
• Provided $75,000 in financial assistance for community mitigation projects.
• Conducted more than 200 home ignition zone assessments, resulting in defensible space creation.

Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization Co-Executive Director Nani Barretto said the nonprofit’s partnerships with the Division of Forestry and Wildlife and many other agencies, organizations and communities help support its important work.

Its staff grew from 5 to 12 people in 2024, and it’s been able to build a robust and sustainable operational model by leveraging a diverse funding portfolio, which recently has seen growth from sources closer to home.

“We’re especially grateful that in recent years, local sources of support have emerged and grown — including funding from the state and county, philanthropic foundations, private organizations, individual donors and direct support from [Division of Forestry and Wildlife],” said Barretto. “This diverse mix of support is what allows us to stay grounded, responsive and sustainable in our work.”

Walker said Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization has become a trusted source for wildfire preparedness information and programming for the islands.

“Its ability to respond to diverse stakeholders during and after the Lahaina tragedy and during other fire events demonstrates its pivotal role in wildfire preparedness and resilience efforts,” he said.

Visit the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization website for additional information about the nonprofit.