Hui Aloha Kīholo Fire Mitigation Project

Kīholo State Park Reserve | North Kona, Hawaiʻi Island

Hui Aloha Kīholo is conducting a wildfire mitigation project at Kīholo State Park Reserve, funded by the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) and coordinated with Hawaiʻi State Parks. The project involves removing invasive, fire-prone vegetation and creating fire buffers along park access roads to reduce wildfire risk, improve emergency access, and protect culturally significant coastal lands while enhancing safety for the community, visitors, and first responders.

Project Overview

Work will take place January 19–30, 2026, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During this time, visitors may encounter active work crews and equipment along park access roads.
Vegetation management will occur along Luahinewai Road (from Kīholo Bay Access Road toward Hale Hoa ʻĀina) and Kīholo Bay Access Road (from the campsite turnoff to the coastline), covering approximately 0.5 miles of unpaved road. A map showing the impacted areas will be posted.
The work includes felling, bucking, and chipping invasive kiawe; creating and improving fuel breaks; and establishing fire buffers adjacent to roadways. All activities will be conducted carefully to avoid cultural sites, sensitive terrain, and surrounding native ecosystems.

Fire Buffer & Treatment Details

Average buffer: 25 feet on each side of the road
Constrained areas: Up to 50 feet on one side where terrain or cultural considerations limit access
Total treatment area: Approximately 2.7 acres
Vegetation treated: Primarily invasive kiawe and other fire-prone species

Tree & Vegetation Management Practices

Trees will be felled using safe, low-impact methods
Stumps will be left no taller than 4 feet
Stumps will be covered with shade cloth to suppress regrowth
No herbicides will be used

How You Can Help: Track the Use of Kiawe Wood

Hui Aloha Kīholo is committed to responsibly managing all kiawe wood removed during this project. You can help by:

Sharing where the wood is taken
Identifying who receives it
Letting us know how it is used, including:

Wood chips for fire or cooking
Firewood for cooking, smoking meat, or imu use
Fence posts and building materials

This information helps support community needs while honoring responsible stewardship of Kīholo.

Project Benefits

Reduces wildfire risk in a high-risk coastal area
Protects cultural and historic resources
Improves emergency access for first responders
Supports healthier ecosystems by limiting invasive regrowth
Strengthens long-term stewardship of Kīholo State Park Reserve