Wildfire experts, community leaders, and emergency responders are set to converge in Kona for the 2025 Hawai‘i Wildfire Summit on Feb. 27-28. The event, based on the Big Island, is set to address wildfire concerns and solutions for a more resilient Hawai‘i. Hosting this critical discussion is the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO), alongside partners like the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency. According to the State of Hawaii recent announcement, the summit's goal is to "ignite action" and foster a proactive approach to wildfire mitigation.
The two-day summit is kicked off with expert panels discussing the current state and future of wildfire resilience. "On the first day we have a series of expert panels and interactive sessions," Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization's co-executive director Elizabeth Pickett told attendees. Participants should prepare to collectively chart a course through the growing challenge of wildfires, with an emphasis on recent lessons and technological advancements. The first day's panels will range from analyzing the Lessons from Lahaina, assessing the importance of the built environment, and examining the role of Firewise Communities in action, as stated by the State of Hawaii.
Day two of the summit gives attendees the choice between two distinct pathways focused on various aspects of wildfire management. One includes sessions on understanding wildfire risk and resilient land management strategies, while the other delves into fire weather, incident management, and the criticality of codes and standards. As Pickett emphasized, the objective is to leave the summit with "actionable knowledge, tools and resources to strengthen wildfire preparedness" as reported by the State of Hawaii.
Additionally, attendees have the opportunity to participate in hands-on training workshops aimed at reducing wildfire risk. Workshops surrounding Home Ignition Zone Assessment and Mitigation will be available Feb. 26 and March 1, serving to deliver concrete mitigation techniques and knowledge. As Pickett told participants, it's an opportunity to "gain insights from leading professionals" and enhance collaboration, as per the State of Hawaii.
