For more than 10 years, the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, a nonprofit organization based in Waimea, has been on a mission to protect Hawaii’s communities and natural resources from the growing threat of wildfires.
For more than 10 years, the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, a nonprofit organization based in Waimea, has been on a mission to protect Hawaii’s communities and natural resources from the growing threat of wildfires.
Hawaii’s proportion of land area burned each year has either matched or exceeded that of any of the fire-prone Western U.S. states. The impacts of wildfire range from human safety and native forest destruction, to coral reef smothering caused by post-fire erosion and run-off.
Since 98 percent of wildfires in Hawaii are caused by humans and many are caused accidentally, we can all work together to help solve this issue by spreading the word about wildfires and the ways we can prevent them and protect our families, communities, and lands.
To get involved and offer kokua, Hawaii Wildfire is teaming with the Rotary Club of Kona and Denny’s to host Project Compassion from 4-9 p.m. Sunday at Denny’s Restaurant in Kona. With the public’s support, Hawaii Wildfire can continue its mission and expand its outreach efforts. The organization will receive 20 percent of the food and beverage sales and 100 percent of guest servers’ tips.
There will be special events throughout the evening that are open to the whole family. The Hawaii Fire Department will bring an engine for keiki to explore, and there will be a “goat dozer” petting zoo. Local firefighter-musicians will provide live entertainment. Hawaii Wildfire also will have plenty of giveaways for keiki, including items featuring Kaleo the Pueo, Hawaii’s brand-new wildfire prevention mascot.
To round off the event, from 7-8 p.m. Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization will hold a silent auction with products from Snorkel Bob’s, Red Water Café, KTA, as well as the organization itself.
For further questions or to make a donation, contact pablo@hawaiiwildfire.org or 885-0900. HWMO also is on Twitter @HawaiiWildfire; Facebook at HawaiiWildfire; Google+ at +Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, or visit hawaiiwildfire.org.