PARADISE ON FIRE: HOW HAWAI‘I DEVELOPED ONE OF THE WORST WILDFIRE PROBLEMS IN AMERICA

Abstract

Hawai‘i is experiencing a massive wildfire problem that has grown in size, rate,
and frequency. As a Hawaiian scholar, I am concerned and passionate about
understanding and combating this crisis. My kūpuna cared for and stewarded
over the natural spaces on which they were dependent. I share the same kuleana
as them in understanding and caring for the natural spaces around me. The aim
of this research is to increase awareness about what’s causing these wildfires and
how Hawai‘i has developed into a fire-prone state over time. This research will
also provide quantitative data as to the rate, growth, and measurement of land
that is burned each year to determine the scale of environmental harm and the
annual growth of wildfire size and ignition frequency over time.