A Pukalani homeowner argues that current fire code compliance — mowing only — leaves cut grass on the ground as a lingering fire hazard. He calls on county officials to support grazing programs as a practical, permitted-free method of actual fuel removal.
- Current Maui fire code requires fuel breaks to be mowed, but cut grass is left in place and remains a fire hazard on dry days.
- The Fire Prevention Bureau confirmed that cut grass mulch is not an enforceable code violation and that alternatives like raking or scraping bare soil are impractical.
- Grazing by goats and sheep removes fuel entirely while keeping roots intact to prevent erosion — with no permit required.
- Hawaiian Electric partnered with a Maui grazing operation last year for fire mitigation with reported success.
- The letter calls on county candidates to fund cost-sharing and streamlined grazing agreements, especially in high-hazard Upcountry zones.
Source: Maui News
Share this article
