Community resilience
Community safety through collaboration
At Kamehameha Schools, we understand the kuleana of caring for and honoring the lands entrusted to us by Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop. Our commitment to community resilience is rooted in Native Hawaiian values, emphasizing the well-being of Hawai‘i’s people and ‘āina for future generations.
Safeguarding Hawai‘i is a shared kuleana. When tenants, neighbors, landowners, utilities and government agencies commit to working together, we strengthen our ability to prevent wildfires and respond to climate challenges. Our collective efforts build resilient communities and healthy landscapes. Through collaboration, we protect our keiki, support our kaiāulu, and ensure a thriving future for all of Hawai‘i.
Creating fire resiliency strategies by community
Stewarding our ‘āina to support the resiliency and safety of our communities is important to us. We are working alongside government agencies, fire prevention authorities and industry experts to explore a range of potential actions that are designed to meet legal requirements and align with each community’s distinct characteristics. Mitigation treatments vary based on local factors, may evolve over time and may currently include:
On-site studies, monitoring and assessments
Targeted vegetation management
Addressing illegal dumping and trespassing, including by reporting to authorities
Reintroducing native plants in targeted areas
(learn more about the benefits of restoring native ecosystems)
Installing AI-supported fire detection cameras to enhance emergency fire response
Every community is unique, and a strategy that works in one area may not be the best fit for another. Kamehameha Schools’ contributions to community resilience will be aligned with best practices for landowners and tailored to suit the unique features and constraints of each community.
What can you do to help?
Education and awareness are the most effective tools to empower an entire community. By understanding how to maintain our own spaces and avoid dangerous situations, we can all contribute to keeping our communities safe.
WEATHERED: Inside the LA firestormA special that investigates the root cause of the recent wildfires and uncovers how communities can better prepare for future disasters.
National Fire Protection Association: Your Home Can Survive a Wildfire
Dr. Jack Cohen, a highly respected expert on wildfire behavior and fire science research, explains how fireproofing your home can help protect it from wildfire.
Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization
Kamehameha Schools has partnered with HWMO to raise awareness and equip community members with tools to protect their homes, ‘ohana and community.
Our schedule to steward ‘āina near you
Any land management activity in your neighborhood can cause some disruption. That’s why we aim to work closely with our communities to minimize impacts and communicate our plans in advance. Here are areas where we are planning fire resiliency work that may affect our neighbors.
June
East Hawai‘i
Ka‘ū:- Punalu‘u, Ka‘ū
- Keauhou, Ka‘ū
- Honohononui, Keaukaha
Hamākua:- Kainehe, Mauka
- Kainehe, Makai
West Hawai‘i
- Royal Poinciana
- Nahulili
- Bishop Road
- Walua Road
- Kuakini Makai
O‘ahu
- Kailua
- Wai‘alae
- Maunalua
- Kawailoa
- Waiau/Kalauao
Maui
Moloka‘i
July
East Hawai‘i
Ka‘ū:- Punalu‘u, Ka‘ū
- Keauhou, Ka‘ū
- Honohononui, Keaukaha
Hamākua:- Kainehe, Mauka
- Kainehe, Makai
West Hawai‘i
- Waieli
- Evacuation Road - Keauhou
- Keauhou - Kahalu‘u
- Maluhia
- Bayview Estates
- Honaunau Bay
O‘ahu
- Maunalua
- Hale‘iwa
- Kawailoa
- Waiau/Waiawa
- He‘eia
Maui
Work that may impact our neighbors could include trimming trees, chipping wood, cutting grass and clearing debris using equipment such as chainsaws and woodchippers. Our staff or vendors take the following measures to minimize noise, traffic and dust impacts:
- Project work will normally occur between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to mitigate noise and other potential impacts.
- Equipment and supplies will be confined to our property.
- Work vehicles may traverse some of the same roads as neighboring residents but work trucks are expected to be parked on the site to minimize traffic issues and other disruptions.
- Although dust is not always anticipated, we will promptly deploy appropriate courses of action if it becomes an issue. We encourage neighboring residents with health conditions or sensitivities to take appropriate precautions to protect their well-being.
