A group of Maui bird conservationists and state firefighters have been honored with a prestigious award from the U.S. Department of the Interior for their bravery and swift action during a wildfire incident in August 2023. The Division of Forestry and Wildlife firefighters, along with staff from the Maui Bird Conservation Center, managed by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, were recognized for their outstanding performance and resilience in the face of a fast-spreading fire sparked by a fallen powerline across the street from the center, as reported by the Office of the Governor's news release.

As the flames threatened the Maui Bird Conservation Center, which is home to rare Hawaiian birds such as the Hawaiian honeycreepers and 'alalā (Hawaiian crow), conservationists rose to the challenge, wielding hoses and extinguishers to defend the safe harbor they've built for the critically endangered species, amidst the punishing heat of the flames that if not for their actions, might have engulfed the facility and its inhabitants, representing years of conservation effort and the cultural heritage of Hawaii. According to the Maui Bird Conservation Center, the staff found themselves unexpectedly thrust into the role of firefighters; Jennifer Pribble, who manages the Maui Bird Conservation Center, kept vigilant watch over the blaze, countering the encroaching embers overnight ahead of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife firefighters' arrival.

Maui Bird Conservation Center served as a crucial base, providing shelter for firefighters and rescue workers. "This award recognizes the quick and decisive actions taken by the Maui Bird Conservation Center and the unyielding valor of the DOFAW wildland firefighters and support staff that contributed toward protecting hundreds of species that are culturally significant to Native Hawaiians and are important representatives of the natural and cultural heritage of the Hawaiian Islands," Earl Campbell, Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office field supervisor, highlighted. The DOI's Citizens Award for Exceptional Service is bestowed upon those who have significantly contributed to the bureau's mission. Firefighters at Division of Forestry and Wildlife did not back down from their duties, remaining alert and responsive for over two months after the fire's containment, ensuring the safety of over one million acres of land under their jurisdiction, according to the Office of the Governor's official website.

Even after the Olinda fire, which scorched 1,000 acres of the Waihou Spring Forest Reserve, was considered contained, diligent Division of Forestry and Wildlife fire patrol teams persisted in daily watch against potential reignition. Division of Forestry and Wildlife Forester Chris Chow, a Maui native, expressed the sentiment common throughout the fire protection community: despite the dangers and rigors of their profession, their commitment to safeguarding native species and natural resources trumps the desire for recognition—it's a job fueled by passion, "It’s our job and our passion and we will do everything possible to save our native species and to protect our natural and cultural resources, homes, and property," Chow told the Office of the Governor's news release.