Hawaiʻi Urban Interface (HUI) Wildfire Grant Program

The Hawaiʻi Urban Interface (HUI) Wildfire Grant Program is a competitive funding initiative focused on reducing wildfire risks in communities across the state of Hawaiʻi. Administered by the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) in partnership with the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR-DOFAW), the program is supported through state-level funding from DLNR-DOFAW. The program prioritizes communities located in the urban-wildland interface where people and infrastructure are at higher risk from wildfires. The HUI Wildfire Grant Program funds high-impact projects designed to mitigate wildfire threats by addressing hazardous vegetation and implementing comprehensive wildfire prevention and planning strategies. Specifically, the program supports shovel-ready projects that reduce hazardous fuels, create defensible space around homes, construct or maintain firebreaks and shaded fuel breaks, and enhance evacuation planning and community safety. Eligible activities include vegetation management, roadside clearing for emergency access, community chipping programs, and the development of wildfire mitigation strategies. Grants of up to $300,000 are available per project, with a total program allocation of $1.5 million. Projects must be completed within a 12-month timeframe from June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027. A 25% cost share is required and may be fulfilled through either cash or in-kind contributions. Funding is disbursed in three advance installments: 50% upon grant agreement execution, 40% following interim reporting, and the final 10% after submission and approval of the project’s final report. HWMO retains the right to negotiate project scopes and may partially fund proposals. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, 501(c)(4) community associations, and local government entities. Organizations without tax-exempt status must apply through an eligible nonprofit or local government fiscal sponsor. Private individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible to apply. Applicants working on land not owned by them must secure written Right-of-Entry agreements from the landowner prior to implementation. The application deadline is April 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM HST, with notification of awards expected by May 20, 2026. Selected projects are anticipated to start June 1, 2026. A virtual information session was held on April 2, 2026 to provide guidance on the application process. Applications must be submitted in PDF format via the official grant portal. Applicants are required to track performance metrics including acres treated, firebreak miles constructed or maintained, number of defensible space projects, and community engagement metrics. Quarterly reports and a comprehensive final report are mandatory. All proposed work must comply with Hawai‘i’s environmental regulations and permitting requirements, including the Hawai‘i Environmental Policy Act (HEPA). Projects involving ground disturbance or mechanical treatment must secure the appropriate cultural and environmental reviews before implementation. Compliance audits may be conducted to ensure proper use of grant funds and adherence to state safety standards.