News

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 27, 2007
Contact: Diane Lee
808-244-5263 - desk
808-269-2789 - cell

Community Wildfire Protection Plan Launches new Program in Waihe`e Village

Wailuku, Maui—Maui's first Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) was given final approval by Maui County Fire Chief Carl Kaupalolo last Friday. The Maui Coastal Land Trust (MCLT) garnered federal funding through the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife to develop this plan to reduce wildfire fire risks and prioritize wildfire mitigation projects in Waihe`e Village and on the Waihe`e Refuge. Preparation of the plan was a co-operative effort between MCLT, the Maui County Fire Department and the Maui Civil Defense Agency, and the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

"I hope this Waihe`e protection plan is the first of many such plans to be presented for my signature." said Kaupalolo. "Wildfire prevention is a major concern for almost all of our communities in Maui County. This program is a win/win for our residents, bringing together all levels of government in a public/private partnership."

The Maui Coastal Land Trust oversees the 277-acre Waihe`e Refuge along the makai border of Waihe`e Village. "We agreed with our Waihe`e neighbors when it came to prioritizing wildfire protection," said MCLT Executive Director Dale Bonar. "The $121,000 grant we received originating with the US Forest Service, not only allowed us to complete the formal CWPP, but also to immediately clear and maintain the 26 acres of old overgrown canes fields that border private homes along Kahekili Highway.

Denise Laitinen, the Firewise Community Coordinator for Hawaii, was contracted by MCLT to develop the Waihe`e CWPP. "This plan addresses wildfire response, hazard mitigation, community preparedness and structure protection," said Laitinen. "It took many discussions with residents in collaboration with state and county representatives to assess these areas of concern in Waihe`e. Now that the plan is authorized, the community is able to apply for more funding to create and maintain fuel breaks, emergency evacuation routes, dip tank buildings and other fuel load reduction tactics."

"This is a major accomplishment for MCLT in our community." said Waihe`e resident and MCLT Board Member George Paresa, Jr. "People here in the village have been concerned and now, with this plan, we know what we can all do to protect ourselves better."

Bonar noted that the federal grant dollars awarded must be matched at a 50% rate with local dollars or volunteer services, but encourages other community groups and associations throughout the county to apply. For more information contact Denise Laitinen at dlaitinen@firewise.org.

Established as a non-profit corporation in December 2000, The Maui Coastal Land Trust's mission is: "To preserve and protect coastal lands in Maui Nui for the benefit of the natural environment and the enjoyment of current and future generations." With offices in Wailuku, MCLT is Hawaii's first local fully-staffed land trust organization. For more information visit www.mauicoastallandtrust.org.

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Photo ID (l to r):

County of Maui Civil Defense Officer Anna Foust, Maui Coastal Land Trust Executive Director Dale Bonar, Firewise Community Coordinator Denise Laitinen, Waihe`e resident Diannah Goo, Waihe`e Community Association and Maui Coastal Land Trust Director George Paresa, Jr., County of Maui Fire Chief Carl Kaupalolo.