A group of concerned Waikōloa Village residents started the Wildfire Safety Advocates of Waikoloa (WSAW) in early 2024. Our community has long been identified as at extremely high risk due to wildfire conditions. Its rapid growth and a lack of planning for critical infrastructure to support another evacuation put it at significant risk.  We are a recognized Charity Organization in the state of Hawaii and are awaiting approval of our Federal non-profit status.

Waikōloa faces many pressing needs, but none is more important than the safety of our families and homes. Waikoloa cannot thrive unless its citizens feel safe. For Waikōloa to be safe, the County of Hawaii must correct critical deficiencies that pose a serious threat to life and property by doing the following:

• Provide a second permanent access road with at least two lanes in and out of our community. This road is designed to support the safe and rapid evacuation of the entire population in an emergency and the infrastructure needs of a rapidly growing community.

• Implement and ensure ongoing maintenance of wildfire mitigation measures, including fire breaks, fuel reduction programs, emergency exit roads, and other measures recommended by the State of Hawaii and organizations like HWMO. 

Wildfire Safety Advocates of Waikōloa is a grassroots citizens movement dedicated solely to making our community safe. We have no party affiliation. We are committed to holding government officials at the Federal, County, and State levels responsible and accountable for resolving these threats.

Our tenets are simple and clear:

1. We will actively embrace and support those who commit to helping us and who demonstrate that commitment by establishing concrete plans and funding to address these critical needs. 

2. We will actively oppose those who choose to ignore the threats Waikōloa faces. 

3. We will make our voices heard in forums we sponsor and attend, including government forums and community meetings, and within mainstream and social media.