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DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release LINDA LINGLE GOVERNOR _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON
Phone: (808) 587-0401
Fax: (808) 587-0390
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For Immediate Release:
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HONOLULU — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) invites communities and private landowners to apply for competitive grant funds to help them develop proactive wildland fire protection. “Last year in Hawaii we experienced an extremely high number of wildland fires, on most islands, and in communities located next to wildland areas,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson. “We continue to be concerned and vigilant this summer about wildfires. The risks to communities in the “wildland/urban interface” remains very high,” said Young. “This year, we were able to secure a grant of $675,000. This money will be used for community projects in West Hawaii, the Waihe‘e community on Maui as well as a fuel hazard reduction project on east Hawaii...” “We hope that communities and their leaders again take advantage to apply for these competitive grant funds,” Young said. Funds for the 2007-2008 fiscal year are available through the National Fire Plan, and can be used for writing community wildfire protection plans, fuel hazard reduction projects (such as the removal of dead trees and brush), fire education and prevention programs, and homeowner and community action. All applications are due by close of business on Friday, September 8, 2006. The funding will be available for fiscal year 2007-2008, and projects which are funded will be able to begin on July 1, 2007 Last year, Congress provided approximately $1.9 billion for all programs associated with the National Fire Plan (of which the Wildland Urban Interface program is a part). This amount included $14.75 million to the western states and Pacific territories through the USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry programs. Grant applications may be obtained by contacting Wayne Ching, DLNR’s State Protection Forester at (808) 587-4173 or by e-mail at wayne.f.ching@hawaii.gov. A copy can also be downloaded from the DOFAW website at www.dofaw.net. Here are some helpful tips to keep our communities “Firewise”: · DLNR reminds homeowners who live in areas that are intermixed or interspersed with brush or vegetation to take these preventive measures protect their homes: · Homeowners should clean their roofs and gutters and make sure that they are free of debris. · If there are any bushes or trees adjacent to the home keep those well watered, and prune away dead branches. · If possible, establish a clear “buffer zone” around the house by removing dry grass, dead wood or other items that could become fuel for a wildland fire. · More tips on how to protect your home from wildfires can be found at www.firewise.org. · As hot summer weather and a drying trend continue across the state DLNR is also asking that campers in our state parks, forest reserves, and campgrounds take precautions when using camp stoves and barbecue grills. Also, be aware that open fires on the ground are not allowed.
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For more information, contact:
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