Gov. Josh Green has put Hawaiʻi’s military helicopters on high alert, signing an emergency proclamation on Thursday that launches the second year of Operation Ho'opauahi, the state’s proactive wildfire air campaign. The move keeps pilots, crews and support teams pre-staged so helicopters can get off the ground quickly when smoke appears, giving firefighters a better shot at knocking down small blazes before they explode into major wildfires.
What the proclamation allows
The emergency proclamation invokes state disaster powers and directs the Adjutant General to activate Hawaiʻi National Guard units as needed, while also opening up the Major Disaster Fund to pay for wildfire response operations, according to the Office of the Governor. The declaration says the disaster emergency relief period starts immediately and runs through Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, unless it is ended early or replaced by a new order.
How aircrews will be staged
Under Operation Ho'opauahi the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard will keep three helicopters ready to launch to any county, bolstering early firefighting horsepower across the islands. A CH-47F Chinook and an HH-60 Blackhawk will be based on Oʻahu, with another Blackhawk staged in Hilo, according to Maui Now.
Last year's results
The new order follows a busy 2025 season. A State of Hawaiʻi Department of Defense summary posted on the military news site DVIDS reports that Guard aircrews logged roughly 105 flight hours and dropped about 283,908 gallons of water on four major fires. Officials say that posture cut response times and helped keep several blazes from spreading further.
What officials say
"Operation Hoʻopauahi exemplifies the Hawaiʻi National Guard anticipating a need and then being there to support it," Maj. Gen. Stephen F. Logan said, underscoring the state’s push to hit new fires fast before they gain momentum. Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Administrator James Barros added that the move "allows HIEMA to quickly support county wildfire operations" and helps posture Guard resources, per Maui Now.
What this means for communities
Beyond aerial water drops the proclamation also clears the way for Guard personnel to help with training and other support roles, including evacuations, traffic control and security, without bureaucratic delays, according to the Office of the Governor. State emergency officials say they are staying in close contact with county emergency managers as Hawaiʻi heads into the drier months and a potentially volatile wildfire season.
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