There is the potential for a destructive and deadly wildfire starting on Mauna Kea and being driven downhill by strong winds to the surrounding communities.

The conditions are similar in many ways to those that resulted in the disastrous California fires, which grew large and intense in wilderness areas before being pushed by strong winds into communities, resulting in property destruction and deaths.

The problem is that the massive buildup of wildfire fuel load is a direct result of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ eradication of sheep over the past few decades to save the palila (Hawaiian honeycreeper) population.

Unfortunately, the palila population continues to decline and the grasses continue to grow taller and thicker.

Don Fujimoto

Waikoloa

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