HI SB2237

Each state agency must create and update wildfire hazard maps at least every two years, identifying high-, medium-, and low-risk wildfire areas on state lands under their control.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources must adopt rules establishing parameters for designating wildfire risk levels based on flammable vegetation, combustible growth, and current fire safety standards.

The Community Fuels Reduction Project must clear flammable vegetation and combustible growth that has been present for more than 60 days on state lands, including creating firebreaks within 30 feet of developed parcels.

State agencies must submit initial wildfire hazard map reports to the legislature by 20 days before the 2027 regular session, with subsequent reports following each biennial update.

The bill responds to increased wildfire frequency, noting that land area burned has tripled over 20 years, 99% of Hawaii wildfires are human-caused, and invasive grasses on abandoned agricultural lands contributed to the 2023 Maui wildfires.