Hawaiʻi Wildfire Summit
2025
Welcome to the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Summit to discuss strategies for preventing and managing wildfires!
This summit brings together wildfire professionals, community leaders, and experts from diverse sectors to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and advance strategies for wildfire resilience across the Hawaiian Islands. By participating, you acknowledge the essential role you play in shaping a safer future for our communities and natural landscapes. This is your opportunity to be part of the conversation, contribute your insights, and collaborate on solutions for wildfire prevention and preparedness.
Post Hawaiʻi Wildfire Summit
News from the Event
Hundreds attend Hawaiʻi Wildfire Summit held on Big Island - Maui Now
Homestead Communities, Leader Recognized For Wildfire Mitigation Efforts - Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
Exploring Our Wildfire Future is Theme of 2025 Hawaiʻi Wildfire Summit - Department of Land and Natural Resources
Slide Decks from Presenters
All Together!
Where Are We Now? Why Are We Here? - Elizabeth Pickett (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization)
Why the Built Environment Matters Community Wildfire Risk is a Structure Ignition Problem - Jack Cohen (Retired U.S. Forest Service Fire Research Scientist)
Why the Built Environment Matters Applying Model Codes and Standards to Combat the Community Wildfire Problem - Karl Fippinger (International Code Council)
Land Use Planning: The Underutilized Superpower - Doug Green (Headwaters Economics)
Firewise Communities in Action - Nani Barretto (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization)
Land Management & Wildfire Resilience - Sara Gabrielson (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization)
National Weather Service Fire Weather Support - Derek Wroe (National Weather Service)
What We Are Learning - Colton Ching (Hawaiian Electric Company)
Pathway 1: Community Resilience, Land Stewardship, Policy
Understanding Wildfire & Assessing Risk Across Scales - Nani Barretto (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization)
Understanding Wildfire & Assessing Risk Across Scales - Keith Smith (National Association of State Foresters)
Understanding Wildfire & Assessing Risk Across Scales - Doug Green (Headwaters Economics)
How the Cohesive Strategy Applies to Risk Across Scales - Mike Zupko (Wildland Fire Leadership Council)
Tools & Practices for Wildfire-Resilient Land Management - Yumi Kam (Wai'anae Mountains Watershed Partnership)
Advancing Fire Adapted Communities - Tiernan Doyle (Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network)
Grazing to Reduce Blazing: Using Livestock to Reduce Wildland Fuels - Mark Thorne (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, CTAHR & HWMO Board)
Hawaiʻi Climate Advisory Team Policy Recommendations on Climate Disaster Resilience, Recovery and Funding - Denise Antolini (Governor’s Climate Advisory Team & University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Richardson School of Law)
Pathway 2: Fire and Emergency Services
Predictive Services Program - Kevin Osborne (USDA Forest, Northern California Geographic Area Coord. Center)
Weather & Fuel Monitoring - Clay Trauernicht (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, CTAHR)
Supporting First Responders: The Role of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Wildfire Response - Solomon Kanoho (Kauaʻi Incident Management Team)
Fire and Emergency Services Applying Model Codes and Standards to Mitigate Community Wildfire in Hawaiʻi - Karl Fippinger (International Code Council)
Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Toolbox: Building a Fire-Resilient Future - Doug Green (Headwaters Economics)
NFPA 1 and the Wildland Urban Interface - Gary Honold (National Fire Protection Association)
**Slide decks are for reference only, and any other use requires permission from the creator.
Wildfire Summit Check-In
Upon arrival, please stop by the Summit registration table located in front of the Kaleiopapa Convention Center, outside Rooms Keauhou I & II. There, you’ll receive your name tag, a welcome packet, and be asked to sign a media waiver, as portions of the conference will be video-recorded to capture and share key insights with broader audiences in the future.
The registration/ check-in table will be open at the following times:
Wednesday, February 26: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday, February 27: 7:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Parking is free for all attending the Summit in the self-parking lot.
Schedule for the day
You can submit questions using our Ask An Expert online form using the QR codes above or links below. We will work with our presenters and subject experts to continue the conversation beyond the summit.
Thursday, February 27
All Together! - Keahou I + II
7:00 - 8:45 AM Registration
8:00 - 9:00 AM Meet & Greet w/ Coffee
9:00 - 9:45 AM Welcoming Remarks — Hawaiʻi Wildfire Summit Begins!
Speakers: Nani Barretto (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization); Chief Kazuo Todd (Hawaiʻi Fire Department Fire Chief); Katie Lighthall (Wildland Fire Leadership Council); Dr. Holeka Inaba (County of Hawaiʻi Council Member, District 8); Kimo Alameda (County of Hawaiʻi Mayor)
9:45 - 10:15 AM Where Are We Now? Why Are We Here?
Plenary Speaker: Elizabeth Pickett (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization)
Since the 2023 fires, wildfire management in Hawaiʻi and nationwide has evolved dramatically. As we combine broad new interests and long-standing expertise, this session reviews our current state and charts a collaborative roadmap forward.
8:00 - 9:00 AM Break – But Don’t Go Far! This is a quick 15-minute break, but don’t miss what's next—it's key to everything we'll be discussing!
10:30 - 11:15 AM Why the Built Environment Matters
Presenter: Jack Cohen, (Retired U.S. Forest Service Fire Research Scientist)
Panelists: Steve Kerber (Fire Safety Research Institute); Kimiko Barrett (Headwaters Economics); Karl Fippinger (International Code Council); Gary Honold (National Fire Protection Association)
Moderator: Katie Lighthall (Wildland Fire Leadership Council)
This session examines the importance of aligning building strategies to risk levels in wildfire-prone areas, highlighting the built environment’s role in fire resilience, and exploring tools to reduce wildfire risk, ensure safe construction, and enhance resilience.
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM Firewise Communities in Action
Panelists: Panel of Firewise Communities Representatives
Moderator/Presenter: Nani Barretto (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization)
A showcase of the achievements of Firewise communities in Hawaiʻi, with an overview of the program and the statewide and county Firewise networks.
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch – Bentos provided by us!
1:00 - 1:45 PM Wildfire & Planning: Integrating Wildfire Safety into Our Future
Presenter: Doug Green (Headwaters Economics)
Panelists: Bethany Morrison (County of Hawaiʻi Planning Department); Kaʻāina Hull (County of Kauaʻi Planning Dept.); Nancy McPherson (Dept. of Hawaiian Home Lands)
Moderator: Cody Winchester (G70 & HWMO Board)
Wildfire risk in Hawaiʻi is rising, making wildfire-resilient planning crucial to our collective safety. This session unites experts to explore how planning impacts wildfire risk, identify improvement opportunities, and pinpoint key next steps for learning and action.
1:45 - 2:30 PM Land Management & Wildfire Resilience
Panelists: Mark Thorne (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, CTAHR & HWMO Board); Clay Trauernicht (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, CTAHR); Ryan Otsubo (Maui Fire Department Battalion Chief); Yumi Kam (Wai’anae Mountains Watershed Partnership)
Moderator: Sara Gabrielson (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization)
Wildfire mitigation relies on active land management—grazing, agriculture, restoration, fuelbreaks, and code enforcement—to reduce risk and boost resilience. Experienced professionals in these fields will share insights and current projects.
2:30 - 2:45 PM Break
2:45 - 3:30 PM Fire Weather, Red Flag Warnings, & New Technology
Presenters: Derek Wroe (National Weather Service); Colton Ching (Hawaiian Electric Company); Nathan Todaro (Hawaiian Electric Company Consultant)
Moderator: Mike Walker (Division of Forestry and Wildlife)
An overview of National Weather Service fire weather products, the Red Flag Warning system, HECO’s wildfire safety strategy, and an introduction to AlertWest cameras and smoke detection technology.
3:30 - 4:45 PM Keynote Panel: Lessons We Are Learning
Panelists: Bradford Ventura (Maui Fire Department Fire Chief); Kazuo Todd (Hawaiʻi Fire Department Fire Chief); Mike Walker (DLNR- Division of Forestry and Wildlife); Keith Ito (Honolulu Fire Department Battalion Chief, Wildland Fire Program); Gary Hudson (Kauai Incident Management Team); Colton Ching (Hawaiian Electric Company); Derek Alkonis (Fire Safety Research Institute, Retired Asst. Fire Chief LACo.FD); Bob Roper (Western Fire Chiefs Association, Retired Fire Chief Ventura County); Katie Lighthall (Wildland Fire Leadership Council)
Moderator: Elizabeth Pickett (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization)
This session reviews insights from recent wildfires, including the 2023 Maui fires and other high-impact events across Hawaiʻi and nationwide.
4:45 - 5:00 PM Wrap-Up & Looking Ahead by Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization
Friday, February 28
Pathway 1: Community Resilience, Land Stewardship, Policy - Keauhou II
8:00 - 8:15 AM Welcome
Presenter: Nani Barretto (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization)
8:15 - 9:45 AM Understanding Wildfire & Assessing Risk Across Scales
Presenters: Nani Barretto (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization); Mike Zupko (Wildland Fire Leadership Council); Kimiko Barrett (Headwaters Economics)
Panelists: Doug Green (Headwaters Economics); Keith Smith (National Association of State Foresters); Plus above presenters
Moderator: Heather Forester (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization)
This session situates Hawaiʻi’s wildfire risk within national and regional frameworks, covering fire history, trends, and key strategies like the National Cohesive Strategy and Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission findings. A panel will explore practical tools for assessing risk—from home to national scales—highlighting challenges, opportunities, and ways to integrate resources across sectors.
9:45 - 10:00 AM Break
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Tools & Practices for Wildfire-Resilient Land Management
Presenters: Mark Thorne (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, CTAHR & HWMO Board); Yumi Kam (Wai’anae Mountains Watershed Partnership)
Panelists: Cheyenne Perry (Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance); Chris Brosius (Mauna Kahalawai Watershed Partnership); Dan Eisenberg (East Maui Watershed Partnership)
Moderator: Yumi Kam (Wai'anae Mountains Watershed Partnership)
Land management is crucial for reducing wildfire risk and protecting Hawaiʻi's watersheds. This session explores grazing and watershed restoration strategies, sharing practical instruction, insights and lessons on fire mitigation, conservation, and community involvement for resilient landscapes.
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch – Bentos provided by us!
1:00 - 2:45 PM Advancing Fire Adapted Communities
Presenters: Tiernan Doyle (Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network)
Panelists: Nani Barretto (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization); Dana Aina (Waikoloa Village Firewise Community Leader & Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization); Megan Fitzgerald-McGowan (National Fire Protection Association); Richard Hoke (Department of Hawaiian Homelands)
Moderators: Tiernan Doyle (Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network), Nani Barretto (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization)
This session delves into the system components that shape Fire Adapted Communities. You'll participate in an interactive workshop to learn, plan, and explore these elements, followed by a panel discussion on sustaining community engagement.
2:45 - 3:00 PM Break
3:00 - 3:30 PM Funding & Policy From National to Local
Presenters: Elizabeth Pickett (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization); Denise Antolini (Governor’s Climate Advisory Team & University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Richardson School of Law)
Moderator: Heather Forester (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization)
This session reviews wildfire funding opportunities and the Governor’s Climate Advisory Team’s resilience policy recommendations for Hawaiʻi.
3:30 - 4:15 PM Voices on Fire: Communicating & Advocating for Wildfire Solutions
Panelists: Dan Dennison (Hawai'i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources & HWMO Board); Mike Zupko (Wildland Fire Leadership Council); Thomas Heaton (Honolulu Civil Beat); Denise Antolini (Governor’s Climate Advisory Team & University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Richardson School of Law)
Moderator: Elizabeth Pickett (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization)
Join wildfire, advocacy, and media professionals as they share insights on communicating about risk and resilience. Learn from their extensive experience in communications and advocacy to enhance your own efforts in promoting effective wildfire solutions.
4:15 - 4:30 PM Wrap-Up Pathway 1
Moderator: Nani Barretto (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization)
Pathway 2: Fire and Emergency Services - Keauhou I
8:00 - 8:15 AM Introduction and Warm-up
Presenter: Elizabeth Pickett (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization)
8:15 - 9:45 AM Topic 1: Fire Weather & Fuel Monitoring
Presenters: Drew Smith (County of Los Angeles Fire Department)
Panelists: Mike Walker (Division of Forestry and Wildlife); Derek Wroe (National Weather Service); Colton Ching, (Hawaiian Electric Company); Eric Johnson (Dept of Interior; US Fish & Wildlife Service)
Sharing of Resources: Nathan Todaro (National Weather Service); Kevin Osborne (USDA Forest; Northern California Geographic Area Coord. Center); Clay Trauernicht (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, CTAHR)
Moderator: Derek Alkonis (Fire Safety Research Council); Elizabeth Pickett (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization)
This session reviews best practices for monitoring fire weather and fuel conditions and converting forecasts into actionable strategies. It is designed for emergency management, fire service, and those with response responsibilities, exploring methods to proactively adjust operations ahead of significant wind, weather, or fire events.
9:45 - 10:00 AM Break
10:00 - 11:40 AM Topic 2: Wildfire Pre-Attack Plans
Presenters: Elizabeth Pickett (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization); Keith Smith (National Association of State Foresters); Drew Smith (County of Los Angeles Fire Department)
Panelists: Greg Funderburk (Dept. of Interior; National Park Service) ; Steve Bergfeld (Division of Forestry and Wildlife); Keith Ito (Honolulu Fire Department)
Moderator: Derek Alkonis (Fire Safety Research Institute)
This session covers wildfire pre-attack and proactive fire plans for high-risk areas, helping emergency management professionals and fire service leaders anticipate and mitigate risks. It also prepares strategies for suppression response needs and actions during an event.
11:40 AM - 12:00 PM Sponsor Presentations
Presenters: Wildfire Water Solutions; Perimeter Solutions
Moderator: Katie Lighthall (Wildland Fire Leadership Council)
12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch – Bentos provided by us!
1:00 - 2:45 PM Topic 3: Incident Management Best Practices
Presenters: Drew Smith (County of Los Angeles Fire Department); Gary Hudson, Solomon Kanoho & Patrick Porter (Kauai Incident Management Team)
Agency Share-outs: Any interested agencies or organizations
Moderator: Derek Alkonis (Fire Safety Research Institute)
This session explores incident management best practices to help emergency management professionals and fire service leaders optimize coordination and decision-making during critical events. Participants will learn proven strategies for resource allocation, communication, and response planning to effectively mitigate incident impacts.
2:45 - 3:00 PM Break
3:00 - 4:15 PM Topic 4: Codes & Standards
Presenters: Steve Kerber (Fire Safety Research Institute); Doug Green (Headwaters Economics); Karl Fippinger (International Code Council); Gary Honold (National Fire Protection Association)
Moderator: Steve Kerber (Fire Safety Research Institute)
This session reviews codes and standards designed to reduce wildfire risk and enhance mitigation efforts. It provides emergency management professionals, fire service leaders, planners, and government officials with insights into effective risk reduction strategies and compliance frameworks.
4:15 - 4:30 PM Wrap-Up Pathway 2
Moderators: Katie Lighthall (Wildland Fire Leadership Council) & Elizabeth Pickett (Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization)
Special Events
Several groups are taking advantage of being in person to coordinate special gatherings. If you’re involved in one of these events, please take note of the following details:
Wednesday, February 26
Home Ignition Zone Assessment and Mitigation (HIZAM) Workshop (registration is full)
Location: West Hawai‘i Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Kailua-Kona
Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Lunch included)
FSRI Small Group Drive-Around (Invite Only)
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby
Time: 8:30 AM (Informal carpool)
FSRI Dinner (Invite Only)
Location: Sunset Kai Lanai, 78-6831 Ali‘i Dr #1000, Kailua-Kona
Time: 7:00 PM (Informal carpool)
Thursday, February 27
West Kohala Wildfire Alliance Working Meeting (Invite Only)
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM during lunch
Meeting Point: Keauhou I Boardroom (left side)
Pau Hana Mixer - Join us for pupus and no-host bar!
Time: 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Meeting Point: Directly outside Keauhou I + II in the lanai area
Firewise Communities Gathering (Invite and RSVP Only)
Time: 5:30 PM
Meeting Point: Piko restaurant @ the Outrigger
Friday, February 28
Planning Department Quick-Connect
Time: 11:00 AM, continuing through lunch as needed
Meeting Point: Keauhou III Meeting Room
Saturday, March 1
Home Ignition Zone Assessment and Mitigation (HIZAM) Workshop (registration is full)
Location: West Hawai‘i Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Kailua-Kona
Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Lunch included)
Contact Information
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HWMO email: admin@hawaiiwildfire.org
If you have any questions at the conference, please look for a Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization staff member.
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Address: 78-128 Ehukai Street Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone Number: (800) 688-7444
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Address: 75-5852 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone Number: (808) 329-3111