Multiple sources report that eight organizations across five Hawaiian islands have received a combined $1.8 million through the 2026 Hawaii Urban Interface (HUI) Wildfire Grant Program. The grants, administered by the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization in partnership with DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife, fund projects focused on reducing hazardous vegetation, improving evacuation routes, and strengthening community wildfire resilience. Maui is among the islands receiving funding.
- Eight organizations on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island received grants totaling $1.8 million — up from $1.5 million awarded when the program launched in 2025.
- Projects focus on hazardous fuel reduction, firebreak construction, managed grazing, invasive vegetation removal, and emergency evacuation planning.
- On Hawaiʻi Island, the Kailapa Community Association and West Kohala Wildfire Alliance each received $300,000 for fuel reduction and emergency access improvements. (Kpua)
- Oʻahu’s Mālama Learning Center received $298,828 for invasive vegetation removal, fuel breaks, and wildfire education in Leeward Oʻahu communities.
- Oʻahu’s Waialae Iki Ridge and Waialae Iki V received $47,588 to conduct a wildfire hazard and evacuation assessment for approximately 924 residential lots, evaluating fire behavior, traffic capacity, and evacuation timing. (Aol)
- Molokaʻi’s ʻĀina Momona received $228,584 to expand wildfire mitigation and land restoration across 60 acres in the Kaʻamola ahupuaʻa. (Aol)
- DLNR State Protection Forester Michael Walker described selected projects as ‘high-impact, shovel-ready’ efforts moving from planning into action. (Aol)
Sources
- Kpua: $1.8 Million Awarded for Wildlife Mitigation Projects Across the State
- Aol: $1.8M in grants awarded for ‘high-impact’ wildfire projects
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