Kaua‘i Planning Director Kaʻaina Hull was presented with the 2026 National Wildfire Mitigation Award on Wednesday by the International Association of Fire Chiefs for his work in creating and implementing a program to reduce wildfire risk on the Garden Isle.
The National Wildfire Mitigation Awards recognize outstanding service and innovation in reducing wildfire risk and advancing community wildfire adaptation. This year’s honorees represent leaders from across the United States whose work has made meaningful local and national impacts in wildfire mitigation.
Hull was recognized for his leadership in developing and implementing Kauaʻi County’s first Wildland-Urban Interface wildfire mitigation ordinance, established through Bill No. 2961, as well as advancing a comprehensive, countywide approach to wildfire risk reduction. His work has helped position Kauaʻi as a national leader in integrating wildfire safety into land use planning and development standards.
“Kaʻaina’s leadership reflects the very best of public service,” said Kauai‘i County Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “He stepped beyond the traditional role of planning and brought people together to address one of the most urgent challenges facing our island. This recognition highlights not only his dedication, but our county’s commitment to protecting our communities and building a safer, more resilient Kauaʻi.”
The bill embeds wildfire mitigation directly into county code for high-risk communities, particularly historic plantation camp neighborhoods. The ordinance establishes clear, enforceable standards designed to reduce ignition risk and slow fire spread. Key provisions include a required five-foot noncombustible zone around structures to prevent ember ignition, a minimum 30-foot defensible space zone with vegetation management and fuel reduction requirements, and expanded landscape management extending up to 100 feet from structures.
The ordinance also incorporates home hardening requirements, including ignition-resistant materials for roofs, vents, decks, and underfloor areas, along with standards for windows and exterior construction. In addition, Bill No. 2961 strengthens emergency access and evacuation safety by requiring improved ingress and egress, including additional access routes where necessary.
Beyond physical improvements, the ordinance requires ongoing community engagement and maintenance. Residents must participate in annual wildfire preparedness workshops and coordinated defensible space cleanup efforts, ensuring that mitigation actions are sustained over time rather than implemented only once.
Hull’s work also includes the development of a county-led home assessment and assistance program that provides on-site evaluations to identify wildfire vulnerabilities and guide residents on practical mitigation steps. The program is designed to support future cost-share opportunities to help residents implement needed improvements.
“These initiatives are a game changer for how we approach wildfire safety on Kauaʻi,” said Kaua‘i County Fire Chief Michael Gibson. “Director Hull brought together agencies, partners, and the community to turn long-standing priorities into real, on-the-ground action. His work strengthens our ability to protect lives, property, and first responders.”
Approximately 500 to 600 residents in high-risk plantation camp communities are already benefiting from the ordinance, with hundreds more expected to be impacted as future development follows these standards. The effort has also led to voluntary adoption of wildfire mitigation practices in other areas of the island, reflecting a growing culture of shared responsibility for wildfire safety.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” Hull said. “This recognition belongs to the many partners, departments, and community members who came together to make this possible. Wildfire mitigation is a shared responsibility, and this work shows what can be achieved when we collaborate with purpose to protect our communities.”
The County encourages residents to learn more about wildfire preparedness and to take proactive steps to reduce risk in and around their homes.
For more information on wildfire safety resources, visit kauai.gov/fire or contact the Kauaʻi Fire Department Prevention Bureau at 808-241-4985 or kfdpreventionbureau@kauai.gov.
