WAIANAE, Hawaii (AP) - The vacant land behind Calvin Endo's house transforms into a lush landscape with ample rain, but during the summer months, the invasive grasses turn brown, raising concerns about potential wildfires. Endo, residing in the Makaha Meadows subdivision of Waianae on Oahu, worries that it could become a "fiery hellscape," akin to the devastation witnessed in Lahaina, Maui, during the catastrophic wildfire in August 2023.
While Waianae is not Maui, both communities share similar geographical challenges and cultural significance, being situated on arid western coasts of their respective islands. Like Lahaina, Waianae has areas with aging wooden power poles that could pose a wildfire risk, as was the case in Lahaina when high winds downed such poles, igniting flames.
Endo, who has lived in his neighborhood since 1980, believes that without action to manage the overgrown brush, Waianae could face a repeat of the tragic events in Lahaina, where 102 lives were lost, marking it as the deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century. Recently, wildfires in Waianae, including one that claimed the life of a 94-year-old woman in July 2023, underscored the urgency of the wildfire risk in the area.
Following the Lahaina disaster, participation in the Firewise network, which aids communities in wildfire prevention, doubled in Hawaii to 35 communities, though none were located in western Oahu until recent discussions began. Firewise encourages neighborhoods to assess hazards, develop action plans, and volunteer efforts to mitigate risks by clearing overgrown brush.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service has classified both Waianae and Lahaina as high-risk areas for wildfires, indicating that the conditions—including weather and winds—are similarly precarious. Nani Barretto of the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization notes a concerning lack of involvement from fire-prone areas like Waianae, highlighting that it took a devastating incident for communities to engage proactively in wildfire safety measures.
Despite residents being aware of their risks, it wasn't until recently that a neighborhood in Waianae began the path toward earning Firewise status. Sea Country, a development close to a recent evacuation zone, is nearing completion of its hazard assessment and plans mitigation activities, including a cleanup event. This initiative gained momentum in the wake of Lahaina’s tragedy.
Additionally, there are ongoing discussions related to opening emergency access routes due to the anticipated challenges during wildfires, exemplified by a recent incident where an access road was considered for evacuation purposes during the July fire. Rep. Darius Kila, representing the Waianae area, has emphasized the need for immediate action regarding unsafe utility infrastructure, which remains a concern for local residents and leaders.
While Waianae embraces its rich cultural heritage, it is simultaneously plagued by socio-economic challenges, including poverty and homelessness. As summer approaches, locals grow accustomed to the dry season and recognize the risks of wildfires. Some community members like Endo take direct action by clearing brush, and others employ sheep to manage vegetation.
Retired firefighter Shermaih "Bulla" Iaea has expressed alarm over the fire risks, recalling past experiences fighting blazes in the region. He believes that communal action, such as forming Firewise groups, is essential for enhancing safety against inevitable wildfire threats.
In summary, Waianae faces significant challenges regarding wildfire preparedness, with recent events serving as a stark reminder of the potential dangers. The ongoing efforts from residents, community leaders, and organizations highlight the need for increased awareness, action, and resources to protect these vulnerable areas from the devastating impacts of wildfires.
