Jill Tokuda: “Every May is Wildfire Awareness Month in Hawaii and across the United States, but this year in the wake of last August's…”

“Every May is Wildfire Awareness Month in Hawaii and across the United States, but this year in the wake of last August's wildfires, fire prevention and preparedness are very personal and urgent for my constituents. The National Interagency Fire Center predicts above average, significant potential for wildfires across Hawaii, especially in leeward communities. We must prepare for a drier and hotter summer ahead, and in just a few weeks, the Pacific hurricane season will begin, increasing the potential for gusty winds and dangerous climate conditions. While we cannot predict every situation, we know a vast majority of wildfires are human caused, which means we each play a critical role in preventing fires from starting in the first place. Local, State, and Federal agencies must also work closely with our communities to implement prevention and mitigation measures, prepare and enhance emergency preparedness and evacuation plans, and establish better methods to monitor and respond to fires. This is essential work and planning that must be done now. Sadly, as Representative LaMalfa and I know all too well, the Maui and Paradise fires have shown us just how deadly and destructive these fires can be. Now it is up to all of us to make sure it doesn't happen again. ____________________”